It starts with a small city, a vulnerable one. “There was a small city,” the text says, and the rabbis interpret this city as none other than Egypt. “And few men in it” – these, remarkably, are Joseph’s brothers. Then comes the threat: “and a great king came against it and surrounded it.” This king? Joseph himself, in disguise, wielding his power as viceroy. And the siege? “And built a great siege upon it” – that’s Joseph’s series of edicts.

What kind of edicts, you ask? Well, according to the Etz Yosef commentary, these were designed to force his brothers' hands. No slaves allowed into Egypt. No one entering with two donkeys. And everyone had to have their lineage meticulously documented. Why? So the brothers themselves would have to come to Egypt for food, not just send servants. So they’d all have to come, not just a few. And, crucially, so Joseph could finally identify them. Talk about a high-stakes family reunion!

But here’s where it gets really interesting. “He found in it a poor, wise man.” Who's this? Judah. And “he saved the city in his wisdom.” How? By stepping up, by taking responsibility. Remember when Judah said, “I will guarantee him…” (Genesis 43:9), guaranteeing Benjamin's safe return to Jacob? Or when he pleaded with Joseph, “Now please, let your servant remain instead of the lad…” (Genesis 44:33)?

Judah, through his courage and self-sacrifice, saved his entire family from starvation, convincing Jacob to let Benjamin travel to Egypt. He even saved Benjamin from slavery by offering himself as a substitute. It’s a powerful moment of leadership, of genuine care for his kin.

But here’s the kicker. “But no one remembered that poor man.” It's a heartbreaking line, isn't it? So often, the unsung heroes are forgotten. But don’t worry, this story has a twist. Kohelet Rabbah tells us that the Holy One, blessed be He, says: "You did not remember him; I remember him." And the proof? “He sent Judah before him…” (Genesis 46:28).

What does that mean? Well, even after all this, God ensured that Judah would still play a leading role among the brothers when they moved to Egypt. Even if his brothers momentarily forgot his sacrifice, God did not.

So, what's the takeaway here? Is it about the importance of remembering those who help us? Absolutely. Is it about the enduring power of family? Without a doubt. But maybe, just maybe, it’s also about the reassurance that even when we feel forgotten, even when our efforts seem unacknowledged, there’s a higher power that sees us, that remembers us, and that ensures our actions, our sacrifices, are not in vain. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, these stories aren't just about the past, but about the eternal truths they reveal. And this story reminds us that even in the face of immense challenges, wisdom, courage, and selflessness can save us all.