In the early chapters of the Torah "Vayigash" describes how Yehuda, approaching Joseph, strictly speaking to him in order to save Benjamin. In the course of his address Yehuda explained why he stood up for his brother: "For thy servant surety for the lad." The word "guarantee" Yehuda used before, when persuaded Jacob to let Benjamin with his brothers.


The Talmud cites the opinion that the law of sponsorship we learn from this story the Torah. The law says that the guarantor is ready to replace a taker in debt, as if he took the money. And in the story of the Torah: Yehuda ready to completely replace the Benjamin.


mutual guarantee


The concept of sponsorship applies to all the children of Israel. Our sages said: "All Jews are responsible for each other." Each of us is fully responsible for the other, to the point that replaces. We learn this from the story of Judah, in whose act expressed his very essence.


The nation of Israel is compared to a single body composed of many parts. Unity of various organs is reflected in various aspects. First, each piece brings something different to the overall harmony of the body. Secondly, every organ, helps to other bodies in their work. For example, the head can not get anywhere without feet - it turns out that the feet to help the head.


without distinction


Both of the above embodiment shows the advantage of combining parts. Whether it is about the total unity of the body or of a more perfect work of each individual agency.


However, there is a higher level of unity. At this level, every body feels that the main meaning of his existence lies precisely in its functioning as an integral part of the body. It was then that there is complete unity, in which there is no distinction between the individual parts.


Similarly, in the nation of Israel: there is unity, stemming from the fact that every Jew contributes something to the overall picture of the people. There is a unity, based on the individual abilities, which each complements the work of others. But there is a higher level of association. Here, every Jew feels a part of the nation of Israel. At this stage disappear all differences between the representatives of our people.


King of the tribes of Israel


That it is, a higher unity and personified the Yehuda. It is said that he was "king of the tribes of Israel" (so and compare it with the lion - the king of animals). It is the kingdom of stage and generates a feeling that every single Jew is a part of all the people. This explains why Yehuda appeared as a surety for his brother.


Such a union would lead to the unity of the era of Redemption. And it says the head of the author "Vayigash": "And the king will be one for all" (Yehezkiel 37; 22) - the king of the tribe of Judah, who will come and save us in the near future.


(Free paraphrase the conversation the Rebbe, published in "Likutei Sihote" t. 30, p. 215. Statement district David Eldin)


Conversely -Lubavitch Media Center