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Genesis 30:1 - Rachel's desperate plea for children

Genesis 30:1 - בראשית 30:1

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּרֶא רָחֵל כִּי לֹא יָלְדָה לְיַעֲקֹב וַתְּקַנֵּא רָחֵל בַּאֲחֹתָהּ וַתֹּאמֶר אֶל־יַעֲקֹב הָבָה־לִּי בָנִים וְאִם־אַיִן מֵתָה אָנֹכִי׃

English Translation

And when Raĥel saw that she bore Ya῾aqov no children, Raĥel envied her sister; and said, Give me children, or else I die.

Transliteration

Va-te-re Ra-khel ki lo yal-da le-Ya-a-kov, va-te-ka-ne Ra-khel ba-a-cho-tah, va-to-mer el Ya-a-kov: "Ha-va li va-nim, ve-im a-yin, me-ta a-no-chi."

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּאֲחֹתָ֑הּ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹב֙ הָֽבָה־לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם־אַ֖יִן מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי׃
וַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּאֲחֹתָ֑הּ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹב֙ הָֽבָה־לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם־אַ֖יִן מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rachel's Distress and Envy

The verse describes Rachel's anguish upon seeing that she had not borne children to Yaakov, while her sister Leah had already given birth. Rashi (Bereshit 30:1) explains that Rachel's envy (וַתְּקַנֵּא) was not rooted in malice but in a deep longing to fulfill her role as a matriarch of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:7) elaborates that Rachel feared she might be unworthy of being buried alongside Yaakov in Me'arat HaMachpelah if she did not bear children.

Rachel's Plea to Yaakov

Rachel's demand, "הָבָה־לִּי בָנִים וְאִם־אַיִן מֵתָה אָנֹכִי" ("Give me children, or else I die"), reflects her profound despair. The Ramban (Bereshit 30:1) notes that Rachel did not literally mean she would die, but rather that life without children felt like death to her. The Talmud (Niddah 31a) teaches that a woman without children is considered as if she is dead, emphasizing the centrality of progeny in Jewish life.

Yaakov's Response

While the verse does not yet record Yaakov's reply (which follows in the next verse), the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:7) suggests that Yaakov was angered by Rachel's plea because he understood that childbearing is in Hashem's hands. The Or HaChaim (Bereshit 30:2) explains that Yaakov's reaction was not out of insensitivity but to remind Rachel that divine intervention, not human effort alone, determines fertility.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Emunah in Divine Providence: Rachel's struggle teaches that while human effort is necessary, ultimate outcomes depend on Hashem's will (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 3:11).
  • The Pain of Barrenness: The verse highlights the emotional toll of infertility, a theme echoed in the prayers of other matriarchs like Sarah and Chana (Bereshit Rabbah 45:4).
  • Sibling Relationships: The tension between Rachel and Leah underscores the complexities of familial bonds, even among the righteous (Kli Yakar, Bereshit 30:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prayers of the matriarchs and their desire for children, illustrating Rachel's deep longing for offspring.
📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Rachel's barrenness and her envy of her sister Leah, highlighting the emotional dynamics between the matriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Rachel jealous of her sister Leah?
A: Rachel was jealous of Leah because Leah was able to bear children for Jacob while Rachel remained childless at that time. According to Rashi, Rachel felt deep anguish over her inability to have children, which was considered a great blessing and purpose for women in biblical times.
Q: What does Rachel's statement 'Give me children, or else I die' mean?
A: Rachel's dramatic plea expresses her intense emotional pain over being childless. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 71:7) explains that Rachel felt life without children was meaningless, as motherhood was central to a woman's role and legacy in that era. Her words reflect her desperation, not a literal wish for death.
Q: How does Jewish tradition view Rachel's struggle with infertility?
A: Jewish tradition views Rachel's struggle with deep empathy. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) notes that G-d ultimately remembered Rachel and opened her womb, showing that prayers are answered in due time. Her story teaches patience and faith during difficult challenges.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rachel's envy of Leah?
A: The Torah teaches us that envy can cause great emotional distress, as seen with Rachel. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:4) warns against jealousy, emphasizing gratitude for one's own blessings. However, Rachel's pain also highlights the importance of compassion toward those struggling with unfulfilled desires.
Q: Why is Rachel's plea to Jacob significant in the Torah?
A: Rachel's plea demonstrates the deep yearning for children in Jewish tradition, where building a family is a sacred value. Rashi explains that Jacob responded by reminding her that children are a gift from G-d (Genesis 30:2), teaching that while we may pray for our needs, ultimate blessings come from the Divine.