Sivan 15

This is the traditional date of the birth and the death of Judah (1564-1445 BCE), the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah means "to admit" -- as to admit a mistake, or to acknowledge in gratitude -- and is the source of the English word, Jew. When Joseph was thrown into the pit, it was Judah who saved Joseph's life by suggesting his sale to a passing caravan. As atonement for not rescuing Joseph completely, Judah later offered his own life in place of Benjamin. At the end of Jacob's life, Judah was given the blessing of kingship, and indeed King David, King Solomon, and the future Messiah all descend from the tribe of Judah.