Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Rachel name her son Ben-oni?
A: Rachel named her son Ben-oni, which means 'son of my sorrow,' because she was dying during childbirth (Genesis 35:18). Rashi explains that this name reflected her pain and suffering at that moment. However, Yaakov (Jacob) later changed the name to Binyamin ('son of the right hand'), symbolizing strength and blessing.
Q: Why did Yaakov change the name from Ben-oni to Binyamin?
A: Yaakov changed the name from Ben-oni ('son of my sorrow') to Binyamin ('son of the right hand') to give his son a name of strength and positivity rather than one associated with grief. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 82:8) teaches that names carry significance, and Yaakov wanted his son to have a name that reflected blessing and a bright future.
Q: What is the significance of Binyamin's birth in Jewish tradition?
A: Binyamin's birth is significant because he was the only son of Yaakov born in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Talmud (Sotah 36b) notes that Binyamin was also the ancestor of Mordechai and Esther, key figures in the Purim story. His tribe later became known for its loyalty and righteousness.
Q: What can we learn from Rachel's death during childbirth?
A: Rachel's passing teaches the deep pain of loss and the sacrifices made for the future of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Eicha Rabbah) describes Rachel as a compassionate advocate for her descendants, symbolizing the enduring love of a mother. Her death also reminds us of the importance of prayer and divine providence in difficult times.
Q: How does the name Binyamin relate to Jewish history?
A: The name Binyamin ('son of the right hand') signifies strength and divine favor. The tribe of Binyamin was known for its integrity, and Jerusalem's Temple was later built in its territory (Talmud, Zevachim 54b). This name reflects the enduring legacy of Yaakov's blessing and the tribe's role in Jewish destiny.
Verse Context
The verse (Bereshit 35:18) describes the death of Rachel during childbirth and the naming of her son. Rachel names him "Ben-oni" (בֶּן־אוֹנִי), while Yaakov later calls him "Binyamin" (בִּנְיָמִין). This moment carries deep significance in understanding Rachel's emotional state and Yaakov's response.
Rachel's Naming: Ben-oni
Rashi explains that "Ben-oni" means "son of my sorrow" (בֶּן אֲנִי), reflecting Rachel's anguish in her dying moments. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 82:10) suggests that Rachel prophetically foresaw the future suffering of her descendants, particularly the exile and tragedies that would befall Binyamin's tribe. The name encapsulates her grief over both her personal death and the future tribulations of her offspring.
Yaakov's Renaming: Binyamin
Yaakov changes the name to "Binyamin" (בִּנְיָמִין), which Rashi interprets as "son of the right" (בֶּן יָמִין), symbolizing strength and blessing (since the "right side" often represents favor in Tanach). The Ramban adds that Yaakov sought to shift the focus from sorrow to the child's future role as the only son born in Eretz Yisrael, marking him as uniquely connected to the Land. The Talmud (Berachot 56b) also associates Binyamin with the Beit HaMikdash, which would later stand in his tribal territory.
Halachic and Midrashic Insights
Emotional and Ethical Lessons
The Or HaChaim notes the profound contrast between Rachel's despair and Yaakov's hope. While Rachel expressed raw emotion in her final moments, Yaakov redirected the narrative toward resilience and destiny. This teaches the Jewish ideal of balancing mourning with forward-looking faith, even in tragedy. The name "Binyamin" ultimately reflects the Jewish people's ability to transform suffering into spiritual strength.