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Genesis 24:59 - Family's blessing for Rivka's journey?

Genesis 24:59 - בראשית 24:59

Hebrew Text

וַיְשַׁלְּחוּ אֶת־רִבְקָה אֲחֹתָם וְאֶת־מֵנִקְתָּהּ וְאֶת־עֶבֶד אַבְרָהָם וְאֶת־אֲנָשָׁיו׃

English Translation

And they sent away Rivqa their sister, and her nurse, and Avraham’s servant, and his men.

Transliteration

Vayishalchu et-Rivka achotam ve'et-menikatah ve'et-eved Avraham ve'et-anashav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֛וּ אֶת־רִבְקָ֥ה אֲחֹתָ֖ם וְאֶת־מֵנִקְתָּ֑הּ וְאֶת־עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְאֶת־אֲנָשָֽׁיו׃
וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֛וּ אֶת־רִבְקָ֥ה אֲחֹתָ֖ם וְאֶת־מֵנִקְתָּ֑הּ וְאֶת־עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְאֶת־אֲנָשָֽׁיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:59) describes the departure of Rivka (Rebecca) from her family in Aram Naharayim to join Yitzchak (Isaac) in Canaan. The verse lists those who accompanied her: her nurse, Avraham’s servant (Eliezer), and his men. This moment marks the fulfillment of Avraham’s mission to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak, ensuring the continuity of the covenant.

Rashi’s Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 24:59) highlights the significance of Rivka’s nurse, whom he identifies as Deborah (based on Bereshit 35:8). He explains that the nurse was sent along to care for Rivka, emphasizing the family’s concern for her well-being. Rashi also notes that the phrase "their sister" indicates that Rivka’s brother Lavan and her mother were involved in sending her off, showing their consent to the marriage.

Midrashic Insights

  • Deborah’s Role: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:12) elaborates that Deborah was Rivka’s childhood nurse and remained devoted to her, later returning to Canaan with Rivka after living with her in Aram. This underscores the deep bond between Rivka and her caregiver.
  • Eliezer’s Honor: The inclusion of "Avraham’s servant" by name (though unnamed in the verse) is interpreted by Chazal as a sign of respect for Eliezer, who faithfully carried out Avraham’s mission (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer 16).

Rambam’s Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchos Ishus (Laws of Marriage) emphasize the importance of proper escorting (levayah) for a bride, reflecting the dignity and care shown here. The sending of Rivka with an entourage aligns with the halachic ideal of honoring a bride during her transition to marriage.

Symbolism and Lessons

The verse teaches:

  • Family Involvement: Rivka’s family actively participated in her departure, demonstrating the importance of familial support in marriage.
  • Continuity of Care: Sending Rivka’s nurse ensured her comfort, reflecting the Torah’s emphasis on kindness (chesed) even in logistical details.
  • Respect for Servants: Mentioning Eliezer separately honors his role, teaching the value of recognizing those who assist in sacred missions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rivka's family send her nurse with her when she left with Avraham's servant?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 24:59), the nurse mentioned here is Deborah, who had raised Rivka since childhood. Sending the nurse along showed care for Rivka's comfort and emotional needs during the journey to marry Yitzchak. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) also teaches that this demonstrates the importance of proper mentorship and support during major life transitions.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning Avraham's servant and his men in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Rivka didn't travel alone but with Avraham's trusted entourage. Ramban explains this shows the honor and proper escort given to Rivka as she became part of Avraham's family. The servant (Eliezer) had just demonstrated great wisdom and faithfulness (as described earlier in the chapter), making him a trustworthy companion for this important mission.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'their sister' when describing Rivka's departure?
A: Rashi notes that calling Rivka 'their sister' highlights the difficulty her family had in letting her go, showing their affection for her. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from here that we should be sensitive when separating family members, even for positive reasons like marriage. The term also reminds us that Rivka maintained her familial identity even as she joined Avraham's household.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Rivka's family sent her off?
A: The careful arrangements (sending her nurse, proper escorts) teach us about the Jewish value of 'hachnasat kallah' - properly preparing a bride for marriage. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 64) later codifies many marriage customs based on such biblical precedents. This shows the importance Judaism places on thoughtful transitions and honoring those entering marriage.
Q: Why does the verse mention the nurse separately from the other travelers?
A: The Sforno explains that the nurse had a unique role as Rivka's personal caretaker, distinct from Avraham's general servants. By listing her separately, the Torah shows that each person in Rivka's life had a specific purpose - the nurse for emotional support, the servants for physical protection. This teaches that different kinds of support are needed during important life changes.