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Genesis 29:10 - Love at first sight?

Genesis 29:10 - בראשית 29:10

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר רָאָה יַעֲקֹב אֶת־רָחֵל בַּת־לָבָן אֲחִי אִמּוֹ וְאֶת־צֹאן לָבָן אֲחִי אִמּוֹ וַיִּגַּשׁ יַעֲקֹב וַיָּגֶל אֶת־הָאֶבֶן מֵעַל פִּי הַבְּאֵר וַיַּשְׁקְ אֶת־צֹאן לָבָן אֲחִי אִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when Ya῾aqov saw Raĥel the daughter of Lavan his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Lavan his mother’s brother, that Ya῾aqov went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Lavan his mother’s brother.

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher ra'ah Yaakov et-Rachel bat-Lavan achi imo ve'et-tzon Lavan achi imo, vayigash Yaakov vayagel et-ha'even me'al pi habe'er, vayashk et-tzon Lavan achi imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ רָאָ֨ה יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־רָחֵ֗ל בַּת־לָבָן֙ אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת־הָאֶ֙בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ אֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיְהִ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ רָאָ֨ה יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת־רָחֵ֗ל בַּת־לָבָן֙ אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֣י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת־הָאֶ֙בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ אֶת־צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Encounter with Rachel

The verse describes Yaakov's first meeting with Rachel, emphasizing his immediate action to assist her by rolling the stone from the well. Rashi (Bereshit 29:10) explains that Yaakov performed this feat with extraordinary strength, as the stone was typically moved by multiple shepherds working together. This miraculous strength demonstrated Divine assistance, signaling that Yaakov was destined to marry Rachel.

The Significance of Rolling the Stone

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 70:12) elaborates that the act of removing the stone symbolizes Yaakov's future role in removing obstacles for the Jewish people. Just as he singlehandedly rolled away the heavy stone, his descendants would overcome formidable challenges through Divine providence.

Yaakov's Recognition of Rachel

Ramban (Bereshit 29:11) notes that the Torah specifies Rachel as "the daughter of Lavan, his mother’s brother," highlighting the familial connection. This phrasing underscores that Yaakov recognized her righteous character (as later seen in her selflessness regarding the simanim with Leah) and understood she was destined to be his wife, as foretold through Divine providence.

The Sheep of Lavan

The repetition of "the sheep of Lavan his mother’s brother" (mentioned three times in the verse) is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as emphasizing that Yaakov acted not merely out of romantic interest, but with a sense of responsibility toward his uncle's property. This reflects the Torah's ideal of ethical conduct even in emotionally charged moments.

Spiritual Parallels

  • The Ba'al HaTurim observes that the numerical value (gematria) of "ויגל את האבן" ("and he rolled the stone") equals that of "זו שכינה" ("this is the Divine Presence"), suggesting Yaakov's act was imbued with holiness.
  • The well symbolizes Torah (Talmud, Ta'anit 7a), and Yaakov's removal of the stone represents his role in making Torah accessible to future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the qualities of Rachel and the significance of Jacob's actions when he first met her.
📖 Bava Metzia 84a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about Jacob's strength and his ability to roll the stone from the well's mouth, highlighting his physical prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov roll the stone from the well by himself?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov demonstrated extraordinary strength by rolling the stone alone, which normally required multiple shepherds. This showed Divine assistance, hinting at his righteousness and future role as a patriarch. The Midrash also suggests this act symbolized his future ability to 'remove obstacles' in establishing the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov watering Lavan's sheep?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 84a) notes that Yaakov's act of kindness to the sheep reflected his future role as a shepherd of the Jewish people. Rambam teaches that this demonstrates the importance of caring for others' property responsibly, even before formal agreements are made (as Yaakov had not yet negotiated with Lavan).
Q: Why does the Torah mention Rachel before Lavan's sheep in this verse?
A: Rashi emphasizes that the verse lists Rachel first to show Yaakov's primary intention: to meet his righteous future wife (as she was destined to become a matriarch). The sheep are secondary, mentioned only because watering them facilitated his meeting with Rachel. This teaches that spiritual connections take precedence over material matters.
Q: How does Yaakov's meeting with Rachel apply to us today?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that this episode models Divine providence in bringing soulmates together. Just as Hashem orchestrated Yaakov and Rachel's meeting at the well, we trust that meaningful relationships are guided by Heaven when we act with sincerity and kindness, as Yaakov did through his selfless help.
Q: Why does the verse repeat 'his mother's brother' three times?
A: Rashi explains that the repetition emphasizes Yaakov's excitement at finding family after fleeing Esav. The Ba'al HaTurim adds that it hints at Lavan's later deception - though he was family, Yaakov needed to be cautious. This teaches that while we value family ties, wisdom is still required in relationships.