Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Rivka's response 'I will go' teach us about her character?
A: Rivka's immediate and decisive response 'I will go' (Genesis 24:58) demonstrates her exceptional character traits of kindness, faith, and willingness for self-sacrifice. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) praises her righteousness, noting that she didn't hesitate to leave her family to marry Yitzchak, showing her understanding that this was part of Hashem's plan.
Q: Why did Rivka's family ask her permission before she went with Eliezer?
A: Although arranged marriages were common, Jewish tradition values mutual consent in marriage. Rashi (on Genesis 24:57) explains they asked Rivka because a marriage cannot be valid without the bride's willing consent, as established in Jewish law (Kiddushin 2b). This shows Judaism's respect for a woman's free will in marital matters.
Q: How does Rivka's decision to go with Eliezer relate to Jewish values today?
A: Rivka's choice exemplifies the Jewish values of emunah (faith in Hashem) and mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice for a higher purpose). Just as Rivka trusted in Hashem's plan by leaving her home, Jews today are encouraged to make difficult choices when necessary for spiritual growth or fulfilling mitzvot, while always maintaining proper boundaries and consultation with Torah authorities.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka going to marry Yitzchak in this story?
A: This moment is crucial in Jewish history as it establishes the second matriarch of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yevamot 64b) notes how Rivka's willingness to go completed the divine plan begun with Avraham, ensuring the continuity of the Jewish nation through the union of Yitzchak and Rivka, who were perfectly matched in righteousness.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Rivka said 'I will go' rather than just stating that she went?
A: The Torah highlights Rivka's verbal commitment to teach that true righteousness requires both action and proper intention (kavanah). Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:2) derives from here that a marriage requires explicit consent, and the Sforno notes that her enthusiastic response showed she recognized this as a holy mission, not just a physical journey.
The Decision of Rivka Imeinu
The verse (Bereishit 24:58) describes Rivka's family asking her whether she wishes to accompany Eliezer, Avraham's servant, to marry Yitzchak. Her immediate response, "I will go" (אֵלֵךְ), demonstrates her extraordinary character and willingness to embrace her destined role in the continuation of the Avot.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Rivka's family initially sought to delay her departure, suggesting she remain for another year or ten months (as was customary for preparing a bride). However, Rivka decisively responded "I will go", showing her readiness to fulfill the divine plan without hesitation. Rashi emphasizes that this reflects the principle of zerizut (alacrity) in performing mitzvot (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12).
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective on Free Will
Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 2:3-4) discusses how Jewish marriage must be entered into willingly. Rivka's emphatic "I will go" demonstrates her conscious choice to accept Yitzchak as her husband, setting a halachic precedent for mutual consent in marriage.
Chassidic Interpretation
The Sfat Emet (Parashat Chayei Sarah) explains that Rivka's decisive response reflects her soul's recognition of its divine mission. Her immediate acceptance symbolizes the Jewish people's readiness to accept the Torah with "Na'aseh v'Nishma" (Shemot 24:7).