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Genesis 29:28 - Love's labor rewarded with Rachel

Genesis 29:28 - בראשית 29:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ יַעֲקֹב כֵּן וַיְמַלֵּא שְׁבֻעַ זֹאת וַיִּתֶּן־לוֹ אֶת־רָחֵל בִּתּוֹ לוֹ לְאִשָּׁה׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Raĥel his daughter to wife also.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Ya'akov ken va'yemale shevu'a zot va'yiten lo et-Rachel bito lo le'isha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וַיִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את וַיִּתֶּן־ל֛וֹ אֶת־רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 29:28) describes Yaakov fulfilling his commitment to work an additional seven years for Lavan in order to marry Rachel after initially marrying Leah. This follows the earlier deception by Lavan, who gave Leah to Yaakov instead of Rachel, as originally agreed.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 29:27) explains that the phrase "וַיְמַלֵּא שְׁבֻעַ זֹאת" ("and fulfilled her week") refers to the seven days of the wedding feast for Leah. After completing this week, Yaakov was then permitted to marry Rachel, as it would be inappropriate to marry two sisters simultaneously without an intervening period (based on the principle of לא תעשינה אגודות אגודות—not forming competing factions within a household).

Talmudic and Halachic Insights

  • The Gemara (Megillah 13b) discusses this episode, noting that Yaakov's additional seven years of labor were a fulfillment of his word, demonstrating his integrity despite Lavan's deceit.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 10:14) cites this as an example of the importance of keeping one's word in marital agreements, even under difficult circumstances.

Midrashic Perspectives

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:19) elaborates that Yaakov's willingness to work an additional seven years for Rachel demonstrated his deep love for her, as the years seemed to him like mere days due to his devotion (as referenced earlier in Bereishit 29:20).

Moral and Ethical Lessons

  • The episode highlights the importance of honesty and commitment, even when others act deceitfully.
  • It also underscores the sanctity of marriage and the care taken to avoid improper familial dynamics (as reflected in the waiting period between marrying Leah and Rachel).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the seven-year period Jacob worked for Rachel, illustrating the fulfillment of his commitment.
📖 Ketubot 57b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of marriage and the fulfillment of contractual obligations, using Jacob's marriage to Rachel as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yaakov 'fulfilled her week' in Genesis 29:28?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to the completion of the seven days of celebration (sheva brachot) for the marriage with Leah before Yaakov could marry Rachel, as was the custom for a bride. This teaches the importance of honoring marriage traditions.
Q: Why did Yaakov have to wait a week to marry Rachel?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13b) and Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:19) explain that it was improper to interrupt the celebration week for Leah's marriage. This shows the value of giving proper respect to each individual and their simcha (joyous occasion).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov fulfilling his commitment to marry Rachel?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 1:2) derives from this the importance of keeping one's word in marriage matters. Despite the difficulties, Yaakov honored his original agreement, teaching us about integrity in relationships.
Q: How does this verse about Yaakov's marriages apply to Jewish marriage today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 62:1) cites this as a source for the week-long wedding celebration (sheva brachot) tradition. Just as Yaakov observed this custom, we maintain these joyous marriage practices in Jewish law.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Rachel was 'his daughter' in this verse?
A: Rashi notes this emphasizes that Lavan gave his actual daughter Rachel in marriage (unlike some interpretations that Bilhah and Zilpah may have been his daughters from other wives). This clarifies family relationships in the narrative.