Genesis 29:17 - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

The phrase "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (Bereishit 29:17) describes Leah's eyes as "רכות," which is commonly translated as "weak" or "tender." Traditional Orthodox Jewish commentators offer several interpretations of this description:

• Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
• Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
• Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
• Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

• Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
• Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

• True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
• The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
• Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.