Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yaakov work for seven years to marry Rachel?
A: Yaakov agreed to work for seven years to marry Rachel because he loved her deeply, as stated in the verse (Genesis 29:20). According to Rashi, Lavan (Rachel's father) insisted on this arrangement to test Yaakov's sincerity. The Torah emphasizes that the years felt like days to Yaakov because of his love for her, showing that true devotion makes hardships feel lighter.
Q: What does it mean that the seven years felt like 'a few days' to Yaakov?
A: The Torah teaches that when a person is deeply in love or committed to a holy purpose, time passes differently. Rashi explains that Yaakov's love for Rachel made the long years of labor feel short. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) adds that this teaches us about the power of love and dedication—when the heart is fully invested, even difficult tasks become bearable.
Q: Why is Yaakov's love for Rachel mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Torah highlights Yaakov's love for Rachel to teach important lessons about commitment, patience, and devotion. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:19) derives from this that a man should marry a woman he loves, as love is foundational for a strong marriage. Additionally, the Talmud (Yevamos 63a) notes that Yaakov's willingness to work for Rachel demonstrates the importance of effort and sacrifice in building a relationship.
Q: How does Yaakov's love for Rachel apply to relationships today?
A: Yaakov's example teaches that true love involves patience, effort, and dedication. The Talmud (Kiddushin 41a) states that one should not marry without first knowing their partner, as Yaakov did when he lived with Lavan's family before marrying Rachel. Orthodox Jewish tradition emphasizes that love is not just a feeling but also a commitment requiring sacrifice, as seen in Yaakov's willingness to work for seven years.
Q: Did Yaakov really work seven full years, or is this a metaphor?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources, Yaakov literally worked seven full years for Rachel. Rashi (on Genesis 29:20) explains that the Torah specifies the exact time to emphasize Yaakov's righteousness—he fulfilled his commitment without complaint. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeitzei 12) adds that his honest labor was a merit for his future descendants, teaching the value of keeping one's word.
The Nature of Yaakov's Love for Rachel
The verse (Bereshit 29:20) states that Yaakov served seven years for Rachel, yet they seemed to him like a few days due to his love for her. Rashi explains that this demonstrates the depth of Yaakov's love—when one loves deeply, even difficult labor feels insignificant. The Midrash Rabbah (Bereshit 70:12) elaborates that Yaakov's love was pure and selfless, not driven by ulterior motives, which is why the years passed swiftly for him.
The Significance of Seven Years
The Ramban notes that seven years is a complete and significant period, often symbolizing a full cycle in Torah (e.g., the Shmita cycle). Yaakov's willingness to wait seven years reflects his commitment to fulfilling a proper and complete term of service, aligning with divine order. The Kli Yakar adds that this period also served as a test of Yaakov's sincerity, proving that his love was enduring and not fleeting.
Love as a Mitigating Factor in Hardship
The Malbim highlights that true love transforms perception—what would ordinarily be a burdensome period became light in Yaakov's eyes. The Or HaChaim further explains that this teaches a broader principle in Avodat Hashem: when one serves with love and devotion, even challenges become sweet. This idea is echoed in Pirkei Avot (5:19), where love is said to "uplift the yoke" of difficulty.
Contrast with Later Events
The Sforno contrasts this verse with the later deception of Lavan, noting that Yaakov's pure intentions were met with trickery. Yet, his steadfastness in love for Rachel remained unwavering, setting an example of enduring commitment despite adversity. The Gur Aryeh (Maharal) adds that Yaakov's love was rooted in Rachel's righteousness, as she later became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael.