Judah Pleads for Benjamin and Joseph Reveals Himself

"And if ye take this also from me" etc. (Genesis 44:29). Our father Jacob said to his sons: Now, while Benjamin is with me, it is as though Rachel is with me and Joseph is with me; but now, when you take him from me, it is as though all three of them were taken in one day. And to what is Benjamin like to me? To a lamp that is burning and has three mouths: when one of them is extinguished, the three are extinguished. "And mischief befall him" (Genesis 44:29). Jacob said: Woe is me, lest a [decree] has been decreed upon Rachel and upon her two sons that they should be consumed. She died on the way, Joseph died on the way, and now, if this one too should die on the way, I shall die of grief. Joseph said to him: Judah, why do you speak more than your brothers? Are there not [among your brothers some greater than you? Judah said to him: You have spoken truly, for there are among my brothers some greater than I. But my brothers stand apart from the bargain, whereas I — my bowels, my bowels yearn within me like a mourner. Joseph said to him: Why? Is there silver or gold owed by you? I will give it on your behalf. He said: Neither silver nor gold is owed by me. Joseph said to him: If so, why are you anxious? He said to him: Thus I said to my father — if I do not bring him back to you, I shall be under the ban all my days. Judah said to Joseph: Why do you seek Benjamin? If for greatness, I am greater than he; and if for might, I am mightier than he. Better that I be a slave in his place, and that I not cause grief to my father, as it is said, "For how shall I go up to my father" (Genesis 44:34). And when he mentioned his father's grief, he could no longer contain himself. What did he do? He strengthened himself and sat down. He said to them: Where is your brother of whom you said that he is dead? Surely he is dead; call him and he will answer you. And he kept calling, "Joseph son of Jacob, Joseph son of Jacob," and they kept looking into the four corners of the house. He said to them: What are you looking at? I am Joseph your brother. And they did not believe him until he uncovered himself and showed them the covenant of circumcision.]