share torah logo

Genesis 29:4 - Seeking roots in Charan

Genesis 29:4 - בראשית 29:4

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם יַעֲקֹב אַחַי מֵאַיִן אַתֶּם וַיֹּאמְרוּ מֵחָרָן אֲנָחְנוּ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said to them, My brethren, where are you from? And they said, Of Ḥaran are we.

Transliteration

Vayomer lahem Yaakov achai me'ayin atem vayomru me'Charan anachnu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 29:4) describes Yaakov's encounter with shepherds near the well in Charan. After arriving in the land of his ancestors, Yaakov inquires about their origins, and they respond that they are from Charan. This interaction sets the stage for his meeting with Rachel and his subsequent experiences with Lavan.

Yaakov's Inquiry: "My Brethren, Where Are You From?"

Rashi (Bereishit 29:4) explains that Yaakov addressed the shepherds as "my brethren" (אַחַי) to establish a friendly tone, despite not knowing them. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:8) adds that Yaakov, as a righteous person, naturally spoke with kindness and sought to build rapport before asking practical questions. This reflects the middah (character trait) of derech eretz (proper conduct) emphasized in Jewish tradition.

The Shepherds' Response: "Of Charan Are We"

The response "מֵחָרָן אֲנָחְנוּ" is straightforward, but commentators delve deeper. The Kli Yakar (Bereishit 29:4) notes that their answer hints at their spiritual state—Charán (חָרָן) shares a root with "charon af" (חֲרוֹן אַף, "anger" or "divine wrath"), suggesting the morally compromised environment from which they came. This contrasts with Yaakov, who left Be'er Sheva, a place associated with holiness (as per Rashi on Bereishit 28:10).

Yaakov's Strategy and Divine Providence

Rabbeinu Bachya (Bereishit 29:4) highlights that Yaakov's question was not merely geographical but strategic—he sought to confirm he was in the correct location to fulfill his mission. The shepherds' answer reassured him that he had arrived in Charan, where he was destined to marry and build the Twelve Tribes. This moment exemplifies hashgachah pratit (divine providence) guiding Yaakov's journey.

Lessons in Human Interaction

  • Derech Eretz Before Torah: Yaakov's polite address teaches that even when pursuing lofty goals (like finding a spouse or fulfilling a divine mission), one must first engage with others respectfully (Avot 3:17).
  • Discerning Environments: The contrast between Yaakov's holiness and Charan's spiritual challenges underscores the importance of being mindful of one's surroundings while maintaining moral integrity (Mishlei 4:26).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov ask the shepherds where they were from?
A: Yaakov was looking for his family in Charan (as per Rashi on Genesis 29:4). He asked the shepherds to confirm if he was in the right place to find his uncle Lavan and eventually meet Rachel, whom he would later marry.
Q: What is the significance of the shepherds saying they were from Charan?
A: Charhan was the hometown of Yaakov's uncle Lavan (Rashi on Genesis 29:4). This confirmed to Yaakov that he had arrived in the correct region to fulfill his mission of finding a wife from his mother's family, as instructed by his parents (Genesis 28:1-2).
Q: Why does the Torah mention this seemingly simple conversation between Yaakov and the shepherds?
A: This exchange shows Divine Providence guiding Yaakov to his destined meeting with Rachel (Ramban on Genesis 29:4). The Torah includes these details to demonstrate how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His plans, even through ordinary conversations.
Q: How does Yaakov's approach to the shepherds teach us about proper conduct?
A: Yaakov begins by respectfully calling them 'my brethren' (אַחַי) before asking his question (Genesis 29:4). This teaches the importance of approaching others with derech eretz (proper manners) and kindness, even when seeking information (Talmud, Pesachim 113b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's journey to Charan?
A: Yaakov's journey teaches us about trust in Hashem during times of uncertainty. Though alone and traveling to an unfamiliar place, Yaakov remained focused on his mission (Midrash Rabbah Genesis 70:4). This inspires us to persevere in fulfilling our responsibilities even when facing challenges.