Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that 'God remembered Rachel' in Genesis 30:22?
A: The phrase 'God remembered Rachel' does not mean that God had forgotten her. Rather, as Rashi explains, it signifies that the time had come for God to fulfill His promise and grant her a child. In Jewish tradition, when the Torah says God 'remembers' someone, it means He is acting to bring about a promised blessing or redemption at the appointed time.
Q: Why was Rachel unable to have children initially?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 71:2) explains that Rachel was initially barren so that she would pray intensely to God, demonstrating that children are a gift from Him. Additionally, some commentaries suggest this was to highlight the importance of her eventual son Joseph, who would save the Jewish people during the famine in Egypt.
Q: What can we learn from Rachel's experience with infertility?
A: From Rachel's story, we learn several important lessons: 1) The power of prayer - Rachel's heartfelt prayers were answered (Genesis 30:22). 2) Patience - she waited many years before having children. 3) Trust in God's timing - as the Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches, God answers prayers when the time is right. 4) The value of children - they are a special blessing from God.
Q: How does the concept of God 'opening the womb' apply to Jewish thought today?
A: In Jewish tradition, this verse establishes that childbirth is ultimately in God's hands. While we must make natural efforts (as Rachel did with the mandrakes), the Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3) teaches that we should pray to God for our needs while understanding that the outcome depends on His will. Many Jewish women pray at Rachel's Tomb, following her example of sincere prayer for children.
Q: Why is Rachel specifically mentioned as being remembered by God?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 73:4) explains that Rachel was particularly beloved by God because of her selfless character. When she helped her sister Leah marry Jacob to avoid shame (Genesis 29), she demonstrated extraordinary kindness. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) also notes that Rachel's descendant King Saul was similarly selfless. God 'remembered' her merits when answering her prayers.
Divine Remembrance and Rachamim
The phrase "וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־רָחֵל" ("And God remembered Rachel") is interpreted by Rashi (Bereshit 30:22) as an act of divine mercy (rachamim). Rashi explains that God "remembered" Rachel in the sense of taking note of her suffering due to her barrenness, paralleling His remembrance of Sarah (Bereshit 21:1). This "remembering" is not a lapse in divine awareness but rather a manifestation of His compassion at the appointed time for her prayers to be answered.
The Power of Rachel's Tefillah
The continuation of the verse, "וַיִּשְׁמַע אֵלֶיהָ אֱלֹהִים" ("and God hearkened to her"), highlights the efficacy of Rachel's prayers. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:4) emphasizes that Rachel's supplications were particularly heartfelt, as she cried out, "Give me children, or else I die" (Bereshit 30:1). The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) notes that the matriarchs were initially barren because God desires the prayers of the righteous, teaching that sincere prayer (tefillah) is a prerequisite for divine intervention.
Opening the Womb: A Miraculous Act
The phrase "וַיִּפְתַּח אֶת־רַחְמָהּ" ("and opened her womb") is understood by Ramban (Bereshit 30:22) as a supernatural act, distinguishing it from natural conception. The term petiĥah ("opening") suggests a removal of barriers, symbolizing both physical and spiritual renewal. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayetze 12) connects this to the broader theme of God’s control over fertility, as seen with Sarah, Rivkah, and Ĥannah.
Rachel’s Merit and Legacy