Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 30:35?
A: In Genesis 30:35, Lavan (Laban) removes certain goats and sheep from the flock that were promised to Yaakov (Jacob) as part of their agreement. According to Rashi, Lavan took away the streaked, spotted, and speckled animals (which were supposed to be Yaakov's wages) and gave them to his own sons, leaving Yaakov with only the plain-colored animals.
Q: Why did Lavan remove the streaked and spotted animals?
A: Lavan removed the streaked and spotted animals to limit Yaakov's potential earnings, as their agreement stated that Yaakov could keep these uniquely marked animals (Genesis 30:32-34). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Lavan was deceitful and tried to manipulate the situation to his advantage by taking away what rightfully belonged to Yaakov.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 30:35?
A: This verse teaches us about honesty in business dealings and the consequences of deceit. Lavan's actions demonstrate how dishonesty can harm relationships and trust. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, and this story serves as a warning against taking advantage of others, even in contractual agreements.
Q: How did Yaakov respond to Lavan's actions in this verse?
A: Though the verse does not describe Yaakov's immediate reaction, later verses (Genesis 30:37-43) show that Yaakov used a clever breeding strategy to ensure that strong, healthy animals were born with the markings that entitled them to him. The Talmud (Chullin 89a) discusses Yaakov's wisdom in overcoming Lavan's trickery while still acting within ethical boundaries.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the specific colors of the animals?
A: The specific colors (streaked, spotted, speckled, brown, etc.) were part of the agreement between Yaakov and Lavan (Genesis 30:32-34). According to Rashi, these markings determined which animals would belong to Yaakov as his wages. The Torah details this to highlight Lavan's dishonesty in removing them and to set the stage for how Yaakov later ensured his rightful share.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Bereshit 30:35) describes Yaakov's actions in separating the streaked, spotted, and speckled goats and sheep from Lavan's flock, as part of their agreement regarding Yaakov's wages. This follows Yaakov's proposal to take only the non-uniformly colored animals as his compensation for years of labor (Bereshit 30:32-33).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Yaakov acted on this day to prevent any future disputes with Lavan. By immediately removing all the streaked, spotted, and speckled animals—those that would become his wages—and placing them under his sons' care, Yaakov ensured a clear separation between his future flock and Lavan's remaining uniformly colored animals.
Symbolism of the Separation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:10) notes that the separation of these animals foreshadows the eventual separation between Yaakov's descendants and Lavan's descendants (the Arameans). The distinct markings represent the unique spiritual qualities that would distinguish Bnei Yisrael from other nations.
Halachic Implications
Spiritual Lessons
The Kli Yakar highlights that the spotted and streaked animals represent diversity within unity—a theme central to Yaakov's descendants. Just as the animals had distinctive markings while remaining part of the flock, Klal Yisrael maintains unique individual traits while united in divine service.