Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Torah mention the birth of Dina separately from the other children?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah mentions Dina's birth separately to teach us that Leah prayed for the baby to be a girl. Leah knew through prophecy that Yaakov would have 12 sons from his wives, and she had already given birth to six sons. She prayed that if she was carrying another son, her sister Rachel would have fewer sons than the maidservants (which would be embarrassing). Hashem answered her prayer, and the child was a daughter named Dina.
Q: What is the significance of the name 'Dina'?
A: The name Dina comes from the Hebrew word 'din,' meaning judgment. Leah named her Dina because she judged herself and prayed to Hashem about the situation with her pregnancies. This teaches us the power of self-reflection and turning to Hashem in prayer during personal dilemmas.
Q: Why is Dina the only daughter of Yaakov mentioned by name in the Torah?
A: The Midrash explains that Dina is singled out because of her importance in the family dynamics and later events (like the story with Shechem). While Yaakov had other daughters (as mentioned in Genesis 46:15), Dina is highlighted because her life played a significant role in the family's story and the development of the Israelite nation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leah naming her daughter Dina?
A: We learn from Leah's actions the importance of being mindful of others' feelings. Even though Leah could have had another son (which would have been personally favorable), she considered her sister Rachel's dignity and prayed for a daughter instead. This teaches us the value of selflessness and sensitivity in relationships.
Q: How does the birth of Dina connect to the rest of the Torah's narrative?
A: Dina's birth sets the stage for later events in Parshat Vayishlach (Genesis 34), where her interaction with Shechem leads to significant consequences for the family and the surrounding nations. This shows how every detail in the Torah is interconnected and how individual lives impact the broader Jewish story.
The Birth of Dina
The verse states: "And afterwards she bore a daughter, and called her name Dina" (Genesis 30:21). This brief mention of Dina's birth raises several questions in the commentaries regarding its placement and significance in the narrative.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Genesis 30:21) notes that the word "וְאַחַר" (and afterwards) implies a sequence. He explains that Leah first prayed for mercy, saying, "If this child is male, my sister Rachel will not even be equal to the maidservants." Leah's prayer was answered, and the male child (Zevulun) was transformed into a female (Dina). This midrashic interpretation, found in Bereshit Rabbah (72:1), teaches about Leah's compassion for Rachel.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra offers a simpler explanation, stating that the word "וְאַחַר" simply indicates the chronological order of births—Dina was born after Zevulun. He emphasizes that the Torah records the births sequentially without deeper hidden meaning in this instance.
The Significance of the Name "Dina"
The name Dina (דִּינָה) is derived from the root דִּין, meaning "judgment." Several interpretations exist:
Dina's Later Story
Though briefly mentioned here, Dina's later encounter with Shechem (Genesis 34) is foreshadowed. The Zohar (1:171a) connects her name to her role in the unfolding events, suggesting that her name reflects the divine justice that would later be executed against Shechem.
Spiritual Lessons
From this verse, we learn: