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Genesis 24:65 - Modesty before marriage's mystery?

Genesis 24:65 - בראשית 24:65

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּאמֶר אֶל־הָעֶבֶד מִי־הָאִישׁ הַלָּזֶה הַהֹלֵךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה לִקְרָאתֵנוּ וַיֹּאמֶר הָעֶבֶד הוּא אֲדֹנִי וַתִּקַּח הַצָּעִיף וַתִּתְכָּס׃

English Translation

And she said to the servant, What man is this that walks in the field to meet us? And the servant said, It is my master: therefore she took her veil, and covered herself.

Transliteration

Vatomer el ha'eved mi ha'ish halazeh holekh basadeh likrateinu vayomer ha'eved hu adoni vatikakh hatza'if vatitkas.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־הָעֶ֗בֶד מִֽי־הָאִ֤ישׁ הַלָּזֶה֙ הַהֹלֵ֤ךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה֙ לִקְרָאתֵ֔נוּ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הָעֶ֖בֶד ה֣וּא אֲדֹנִ֑י וַתִּקַּ֥ח הַצָּעִ֖יף וַתִּתְכָּֽס׃
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־הָעֶ֗בֶד מִֽי־הָאִ֤ישׁ הַלָּזֶה֙ הַהֹלֵ֤ךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה֙ לִקְרָאתֵ֔נוּ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הָעֶ֖בֶד ה֣וּא אֲדֹנִ֑י וַתִּקַּ֥ח הַצָּעִ֖יף וַתִּתְכָּֽס׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:65) describes the moment when Rivka (Rebecca) first sees Yitzchak (Isaac) in the field and covers herself with a veil upon learning his identity. The scene occurs after Eliezer, Avraham's servant, successfully finds Rivka as a wife for Yitzchak.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Rivka asked about Yitzchak because she saw him walking in the field in an unusual manner—either praying (as Yitzchak instituted the afternoon prayer, Tefillat Mincha) or meditating. When Eliezer identified him as "my master," Rivka understood this referred to Yitzchak, the intended groom, and immediately covered herself out of modesty (tzniut).

Symbolism of the Veil

  • Modesty (Tzniut): The act of covering herself signifies Rivka's righteous character, aligning with the midrashic tradition that she was fitting for the household of Avraham (Bereshit Rabbah 60:15).
  • Marital Readiness: The veil symbolizes her acceptance of the match, as covering the face is associated with bridal customs (Ketubot 17b).
  • Spiritual Preparedness: Some commentators suggest the veil represents her reverence for Yitzchak’s spiritual stature as a tzaddik (righteous man).

Rambam's Perspective on Modesty

While Rambam does not directly comment on this verse, his rulings in Hilchot Ishut (Laws of Marriage) emphasize the importance of modesty in marital relationships, reflecting Rivka’s actions as a model for Jewish women.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4) highlights that Rivka’s covering demonstrated her suitability as a matriarch, contrasting her righteous behavior with the immodesty of other nations. This act affirmed her as the rightful wife for Yitzchak and a foundational figure in the Jewish lineage.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rivka cover herself when she saw Yitzchak?
A: Rivka covered herself with a veil upon seeing Yitzchak as a sign of modesty (tznius), which is a fundamental value in Jewish tradition. Rashi explains that this act demonstrated her righteous character, as she was preparing to meet her future husband with dignity and respect.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka asking about Yitzchak before seeing him?
A: Rivka's question ('Who is this man walking in the field?') shows her thoughtful and discerning nature. The Midrash highlights that she was careful to inquire about Yitzchak's identity, reflecting her wisdom and the importance of understanding who one is marrying in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yitzchak was walking in the field?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 26b) teaches that Yitzchak was walking in the field to pray, as he established the afternoon prayer (Mincha). This detail emphasizes his devotion to Hashem and sets an example for the importance of daily prayer in Jewish life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's modesty in this verse?
A: Rivka's immediate act of covering herself teaches the eternal Jewish value of modesty (tznius), which applies not only to dress but also to behavior. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 13:11) explains that modesty is essential for building a sacred marriage and a Jewish home.
Q: Why does the servant refer to Yitzchak as 'my master'?
A: The servant (Eliezer) calls Yitzchak 'my master' out of respect, showing the proper conduct of a servant toward his master's son. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on honoring those in positions of authority, as later codified in Jewish law (see Rambam, Hilchos Mamrim 6).