Genesis 28:2 - Find your match in holiness.

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Hebrew Text

קוּם לֵךְ פַּדֶּנָה אֲרָם בֵּיתָה בְתוּאֵל אֲבִי אִמֶּךָ וְקַח־לְךָ מִשָּׁם אִשָּׁה מִבְּנוֹת לָבָן אֲחִי אִמֶּךָ׃

English Translation

Arise, go to Paddan-aram, to the house of Betu᾽el thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from there of the daughters of Lavan thy mother’s brother.

Transliteration

Kum lekh Padena Aram beita vetuel avi imekha vekakh lekha misham isha mibenot Lavan achi imekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

ק֥וּם לֵךְ֙ פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֔ם בֵּ֥יתָה בְתוּאֵ֖ל אֲבִ֣י אִמֶּ֑ךָ וְקַח־לְךָ֤ מִשָּׁם֙ אִשָּׁ֔ה מִבְּנ֥וֹת לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמֶּֽךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 28:2) records Yitzchak's instruction to Yaakov to journey to Padan-Aram to find a wife from the family of his mother, Rivka. This directive follows Esav's marriage to Canaanite women, which caused distress to Yitzchak and Rivka (Genesis 26:34-35). The Torah emphasizes the importance of marrying within the family lineage, as Avraham had similarly instructed his servant regarding Yitzchak's marriage (Genesis 24:3-4).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yitzchak specifically instructed Yaakov to go to "בֵּיתָה בְתוּאֵל" ("the house of Betuel") rather than directly to Lavan because Betuel was still alive at the time, and it would have been disrespectful to bypass him. Additionally, Rashi notes that the phrasing "מִבְּנוֹת לָבָן" ("from the daughters of Lavan") implies that Yaakov was to marry one of Lavan's daughters, not his granddaughters, ensuring the purity of the lineage.

Ramban's Insights

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Yitzchak's instruction was not merely practical but also prophetic. He points out that Yitzchak was aware of the divine promise to Avraham that his descendants would inherit the land, and thus, he sought to ensure that Yaakov's marriage would align with this destiny. The Ramban also highlights that the repetition of "אֲחִי אִמֶּךָ" ("your mother's brother") emphasizes the maternal lineage's importance in maintaining spiritual continuity.

Midrashic Interpretations

Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (68:4) suggests that Yitzchak's command to Yaakov was divinely inspired, as it ultimately led to the formation of the Twelve Tribes through Yaakov's marriages to Rachel and Leah.
Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 3) teaches that Yaakov's journey to Padan-Aram was a test of his faith, paralleling Avraham's journey to Canaan. Both patriarchs left their homeland in obedience to a higher calling.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 12:25) derives from this verse the principle that marrying within one's extended family is permissible and sometimes even commendable, provided the union adheres to Torah law. However, he clarifies that this does not override the prohibitions against certain familial relationships outlined in the Torah.

Symbolism of Padan-Aram

Kabbalistic sources (e.g., the Zohar) interpret Padan-Aram as a place of spiritual refinement. Yaakov's journey there symbolizes the soul's descent into the physical world to elevate sparks of holiness. The "house of Betuel" represents the realm of potential, where Yaakov would find his righteous wives and establish the foundation of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 17a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the lineage and marriages of the patriarchs, particularly focusing on the directive given to Jacob to go to Paddan-aram to find a wife.

📖 Sanhedrin 107b

The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the importance of marrying within one's family or community, as exemplified by Jacob's journey to find a wife from his mother's family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak tell Yaakov to go to Padan Aram to find a wife?
A: Yitzchak instructed Yaakov to go to Padan Aram to find a wife from the family of Betuel and Lavan (his mother's family) to ensure he married within the righteous lineage of Avraham, avoiding the idolatrous Canaanite women (Rashi on Genesis 28:2).

Q: What is the significance of Yaakov going to his mother's family for a wife?
A: Yaakov was directed to marry within his mother Rivka's family to maintain the purity of Avraham's lineage. This was important because Rivka's family, though not perfect, had righteous roots, unlike the surrounding Canaanite nations (Ramban on Genesis 28:2).

Q: Why is Padan Aram mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Padan Aram was the home of Rivka's family, where Avraham's servant Eliezer found Rivka as a wife for Yitzchak. By sending Yaakov there, Yitzchak ensured continuity in marrying from a family with known righteous traits (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 68:5).

Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's instruction to Yaakov about marriage?
A: This teaches the importance of marrying someone with shared values and a righteous lineage. Jewish tradition emphasizes choosing a spouse who will help build a home dedicated to Torah and mitzvos (Talmud, Pesachim 49b).

Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish marriage customs today?
A: Just as Yaakov was instructed to marry within a righteous family, Jewish tradition today stresses finding a spouse committed to Torah values. This is why many consult rabbis or matchmakers to find suitable partners (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 1-2).