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Genesis 30:14 - Fertility charm sparks sibling rivalry?

Genesis 30:14 - בראשית 30:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלֶךְ רְאוּבֵן בִּימֵי קְצִיר־חִטִּים וַיִּמְצָא דוּדָאִים בַּשָּׂדֶה וַיָּבֵא אֹתָם אֶל־לֵאָה אִמּוֹ וַתֹּאמֶר רָחֵל אֶל־לֵאָה תְּנִי־נָא לִי מִדּוּדָאֵי בְּנֵךְ׃

English Translation

And Re᾽uven went in the days of the wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Le᾽a. Then Raĥel said to Le᾽a, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son’s mandrakes.

Transliteration

Va'yelech Reuven bi'mei k'tzir-chitim va'yimtza dudaim ba'sadeh va'yave otam el-Leah imo va'tomer Rachel el-Leah teni-na li mi'duda'ei b'nech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֜ן בִּימֵ֣י קְצִיר־חִטִּ֗ים וַיִּמְצָ֤א דֽוּדָאִים֙ בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה וַיָּבֵ֣א אֹתָ֔ם אֶל־לֵאָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ אֶל־לֵאָ֔ה תְּנִי־נָ֣א לִ֔י מִדּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנֵֽךְ׃
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֜ן בִּימֵ֣י קְצִיר־חִטִּ֗ים וַיִּמְצָ֤א דֽוּדָאִים֙ בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה וַיָּבֵ֣א אֹתָ֔ם אֶל־לֵאָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ אֶל־לֵאָ֔ה תְּנִי־נָ֣א לִ֔י מִדּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנֵֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Reuven's Discovery

Rashi (Bereshit 30:14) explains that Reuven found dudaim (mandrakes) during the wheat harvest, a time when the fields were being reaped. The dudaim were considered rare and valuable, often associated with fertility due to their shape and fragrance. Reuven, as Leah's eldest son, brought them to his mother out of kibud em (honoring his mother), demonstrating his righteousness even at a young age.

The Nature of Dudaim (Mandrakes)

According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b), dudaim were believed to have properties that could aid in conception. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 72:2) suggests that they were fragrant plants, possibly aphrodisiacs, which is why Rachel desired them. Ramban (Bereshit 30:14) adds that they were a type of herb known for their pleasant scent and potential medicinal benefits.

Rachel's Request and Leah's Response

Rachel's plea to Leah, "Give me, I pray thee, of thy son’s mandrakes", reflects her desperation for children, as she was barren at the time. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 72:3) notes that Leah initially resisted, questioning why Rachel, who already had Yaakov's primary affection, would also seek the dudaim. However, Leah ultimately agreed in exchange for Rachel yielding her night with Yaakov to her—a decision with profound consequences for the future tribes of Israel.

Spiritual Lessons from the Episode

  • Honoring Parents: Reuven's act of bringing the dudaim to Leah exemplifies the mitzvah of honoring one's mother (Shemot 20:12).
  • Divine Providence: Despite Rachel's efforts, the Torah later reveals that her pregnancy came through divine intervention (Bereshit 30:22), teaching that fertility is ultimately in Hashem's hands.
  • Sibling Dynamics: The negotiation between Rachel and Leah highlights the complexities of their relationship, foreshadowing future tensions among the tribes descended from them.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the medicinal properties of mandrakes and their significance in the narrative of Rachel and Leah.
📖 Eruvin 100b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of mandrakes and their role in the story of Reuben, Rachel, and Leah.
📖 Ta'anit 8b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the efficacy of certain remedies and the story of Rachel and Leah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'dudaim' (mandrakes) that Reuben found?
A: The dudaim (mandrakes) were fragrant plants that were believed in ancient times to help with fertility (Rashi on Genesis 30:14). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) explains they were called 'dudaim' because people would love (dod) them for their special properties.
Q: Why did Rachel want the mandrakes from Leah?
A: Rachel, who was struggling with infertility, believed the mandrakes could help her conceive (Rashi on Genesis 30:14). This shows how strongly she desired children, as she was willing to bargain with Leah for them.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Reuben bringing the mandrakes to his mother Leah?
A: This shows the importance of honoring one's mother. Even though Reuben was young, he thought of his mother first when he found something special (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 72:2). This teaches us about proper kibbud em (honoring parents).
Q: Why does the Torah mention this happened during wheat harvest?
A: The wheat harvest time (late spring) was when these plants typically grew (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 30:14). The timing also shows this was a busy agricultural season when people would be working in the fields.
Q: How does this story about Rachel and Leah relate to Jewish values today?
A: This episode teaches about sibling relationships, the value of children, and trusting in Hashem. While Rachel sought natural means (the mandrakes), ultimately she conceived through divine intervention (Genesis 30:22), teaching us that everything comes from Hashem.