Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 29:3 mean when it says they rolled the stone from the well?
A: This verse describes how shepherds in Haran would gather their flocks to water them from a well covered by a heavy stone. According to Rashi, the stone was very large, requiring multiple shepherds to move it together. This shows the communal effort needed to access water, a vital resource.
Q: Why was the stone put back on the well after watering the sheep?
A: The Midrash explains that replacing the stone protected the well from debris and kept the water clean for future use. Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 11:4) also teaches that covering wells is a safety precaution to prevent accidents, showing Torah's concern for public welfare.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the shepherds working together to move the stone?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anis 10b) derives from this that difficult tasks become easier through cooperation. Just as the shepherds united to move the heavy stone, we learn the importance of working together for communal needs.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jacob's later meeting with Rachel?
A: Rashi notes that Jacob single-handedly moved this same stone (Genesis 29:10), demonstrating exceptional strength. This miracle showed Divine assistance in his mission to find a wife and begin the Jewish nation, as explained in Bereishis Rabbah.
Q: Is there significance to the well in Torah symbolism?
A: Yes. The Zohar teaches that wells often represent Torah wisdom. Just as water sustains physical life, Torah sustains spiritual life. The communal effort to access the well parallels how Torah study flourishes through collective learning, as emphasized in Pirkei Avos (3:7).
Context in the Torah
This verse (Bereshit 29:3) describes the scene at the well in Charan, where Yaakov Avinu first encounters Rachel. The shepherds would gather their flocks, remove the large stone covering the well, water the sheep, and then return the stone to its place. This detail sets the stage for Yaakov's act of kindness when he single-handedly rolls away the stone for Rachel (Bereshit 29:10).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 29:3) notes that the stone was exceptionally heavy, requiring multiple shepherds to move it. This emphasizes the miraculous nature of Yaakov’s later action, as he alone was able to roll it away—demonstrating either extraordinary physical strength (as the Midrash suggests) or divine assistance due to his righteous intent to help Rachel.
Symbolism of the Stone
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 70:8) interprets the stone as symbolic of the obstacles in life that require collective effort to overcome. Only when the shepherds worked together could they remove it. Alternatively, some commentators (like the Kli Yakar) suggest the stone represents the yetzer hara (evil inclination), which can only be overcome through unity or divine merit.
Halachic Insights
Moral Lessons
The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that the shepherds’ adherence to returning the stone reflects their integrity in maintaining order. This contrasts with later generations who neglected such safeguards (as seen in the deterioration of societal norms before the Flood). Yaakov’s willingness to act alone for Rachel’s sake models the importance of initiative in performing chesed (kindness), even when others delay.