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Genesis 29:11 - Love's first tearful embrace

Genesis 29:11 - בראשית 29:11

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשַּׁק יַעֲקֹב לְרָחֵל וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת־קֹלוֹ וַיֵּבְךְּ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov kissed Raĥel, and raised his voice, and wept.

Transliteration

Vayishak Yaakov l'Rachel vayisa et kolo vayevk.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃
וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Kiss of Yaakov and Rachel

The verse (Bereishit 29:11) describes Yaakov's emotional encounter with Rachel upon arriving in Charan. Rashi explains that Yaakov wept because he foresaw through ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration) that Rachel would not be buried with him in Me'arat HaMachpelah. This insight caused him deep sorrow, as he realized the challenges she would face in her life.

Raising His Voice in Weeping

The phrase "וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת־קֹלוֹ וַיֵּבְךְּ" ("and raised his voice and wept") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) as indicating that Yaakov wept loudly and openly. The Kli Yakar adds that this public display of emotion was unusual for Yaakov, who was typically more restrained, but the overwhelming nature of the moment—meeting his future wife and recognizing her destined hardships—compelled this reaction.

The Nature of Yaakov's Kiss

Regarding the kiss ("וַיִּשַּׁק"), the Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) and Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 21:1) discuss the halachic boundaries of physical contact between unmarried individuals. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) explains that Yaakov's kiss was not one of improper affection, but rather a familial greeting, as he was her cousin. Additionally, the Or HaChaim suggests that this kiss carried spiritual significance, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and righteousness from Yaakov to Rachel.

Symbolism in the Meeting

  • Shepherds at the Well: The Sforno notes that Rachel's role as a shepherdess parallels Yaakov's own pastoral life, indicating their shared values and destiny.
  • Emotional Release: The Netziv explains that Yaakov's weeping also reflected his relief after fleeing from Esav and finally finding family in Charan.
  • Future Redemption: The Zohar connects this meeting to the future redemption, as Rachel's descendants (the tribes of Yosef and Binyamin) play key roles in Jewish history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the appropriateness of Jacob's actions, particularly the kiss he gave to Rachel, and the emotional response that followed.
📖 Ketubot 17a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the customs of greeting and the display of emotions, using Jacob's kiss and weeping as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov kiss Rachel when they first met?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 29:11), Yaakov kissed Rachel because he was moved by deep emotion upon meeting his future wife and recognizing that she was destined to be his partner. However, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) explains that this was not a romantic kiss, but rather an emotional familial greeting, as he wept because he came empty-handed (without gifts for her, as was customary).
Q: Why did Yaakov cry after kissing Rachel?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13b) explains that Yaakov wept because he foresaw through divine inspiration that Rachel would not be buried with him in the Cave of Machpelah (as she died on the road to Bethlehem). Additionally, Rashi (Genesis 29:11) states that he cried because he arrived empty-handed, unlike Eliezer who brought gifts for Rivka (Rebecca).
Q: Is kissing permitted when meeting someone for the first time?
A: Jewish tradition, based on this verse, understands that Yaakov's kiss was an exceptional circumstance due to their familial bond and the emotional moment. However, halacha (Jewish law) generally discourages physical affection between unrelated men and women unless they are close family (see Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Biah 21:1). The kiss here was not romantic but an expression of deep familial emotion.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov crying when meeting Rachel?
A: This teaches us the importance of sincerity and emotional honesty. Yaakov did not hide his feelings—whether his joy at meeting Rachel or his sorrow over arriving without gifts. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) also highlights the importance of proper customs (like bringing gifts) and how their absence can cause distress, even to righteous people like Yaakov.