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Genesis 30:37 - Divine signs in striped rods?

Genesis 30:37 - בראשית 30:37

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח־לוֹ יַעֲקֹב מַקַּל לִבְנֶה לַח וְלוּז וְעֶרְמוֹן וַיְפַצֵּל בָּהֵן פְּצָלוֹת לְבָנוֹת מַחְשֹׂף הַלָּבָן אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַמַּקְלוֹת׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov took him rods of green poplar, and of the almond and plane tree; and peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.

Transliteration

Vayikach-lo Ya'akov makel livneh lach v'luz v'ermon vayfatzel bahen p'tzalot l'vanot machsof halavan asher al-hamaklot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽקַּֽח־ל֣וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב מַקַּ֥ל לִבְנֶ֛ה לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעַרְמ֑וֹן וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ פְּצָל֣וֹת לְבָנ֔וֹת מַחְשֹׂף֙ הַלָּבָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַמַּקְלֽוֹת׃
וַיִּֽקַּֽח־ל֣וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב מַקַּ֥ל לִבְנֶ֛ה לַ֖ח וְל֣וּז וְעַרְמ֑וֹן וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ פְּצָל֣וֹת לְבָנ֔וֹת מַחְשֹׂף֙ הַלָּבָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַמַּקְלֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 30:37) describes Yaakov's action in preparing rods from specific trees to influence the coloration of Lavan's flocks, as part of his agreement with Lavan regarding the division of the sheep. The method Yaakov employed is understood by our Sages as both a natural and miraculous means to fulfill Hashem's promise to him.

Explanation of the Trees

Rashi explains the types of trees mentioned:

  • לִבְנֶה (Livneh - poplar): This is the "white poplar," so named because of its bright appearance (from the root "lavan," meaning white).
  • לוּז (Luz - almond): Rashi notes this refers to the almond tree, which blooms early (as hinted in Yirmiyahu 1:11-12, where "shaked" [almond] symbolizes haste).
  • עֶרְמוֹן (Ermon - plane tree): A tree with broad, layered bark, which peels easily.

Yaakov's Method

According to Rashi and Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:10), Yaakov peeled strips of bark to expose the white inner wood, creating a visual stimulus for the sheep. When the flocks mated near these rods, they produced speckled and spotted offspring—fulfilling Yaakov's agreement with Lavan.

Spiritual Significance

The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that Yaakov's actions were not mere sorcery or superstition, but rather a permissible form of "siman" (a sign or symbolic act) with divine approval. This aligns with the principle that righteous individuals may use natural phenomena as conduits for miracles, as seen later with Moshe's staff (Shemot 4:2-4).

Symbolism of the Almond

The Kli Yakar connects the almond (luz) to the idea of divine haste—just as the almond tree blossoms quickly, Hashem swiftly fulfilled His promise to Yaakov. This reflects the broader theme of divine providence in Yaakov's life, despite Lavan's deception.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 89a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of trees Yaakov used for the rods, relating to the laws of kosher animals and the symbolism of purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) peel the rods in Genesis 30:37?
A: Yaakov peeled white streaks in the rods as part of a strategy to influence the appearance of the sheep and goats' offspring. According to Rashi, this was based on a principle that what animals see during mating can affect their offspring's appearance (based on earlier teachings in the Torah). Yaakov was fulfilling the agreement with Lavan (Laban) to take the spotted and streaked animals as his wages.
Q: What types of trees did Yaakov use for the rods in Genesis 30:37?
A: Yaakov used three types of trees: לבנה (poplar), לוז (almond), and ערמון (plane tree). The Midrash explains that each of these trees symbolizes different concepts—some suggest they hint at future events in Jewish history or represent spiritual lessons about growth and divine providence.
Q: What is the significance of the white streaks in the rods in Genesis 30:37?
A: The white streaks made the rods visually striking, which influenced the sheep and goats to produce spotted and streaked offspring. The Ramban explains that this was not mere superstition but a divinely guided method, showing that Hashem orchestrated Yaakov's success in fulfilling His promise to bless him.
Q: How does Genesis 30:37 relate to Jewish teachings about effort and divine help?
A: This verse teaches the balance between hishtadlut (human effort) and bitachon (trust in Hashem). Yaakov took natural steps (peeling the rods), but his success ultimately came from Hashem’s blessing (as seen later in the parsha). The Talmud (Chullin 95b) discusses how righteous people’s actions are guided by divine wisdom.
Q: Why did Yaakov use specifically green (fresh) rods in Genesis 30:37?
A: Rashi explains that green (fresh) rods were used because they were moist and easier to peel, making the white streaks more visible. The freshness also symbolizes vitality and growth, reflecting Yaakov’s efforts to build his family and wealth in a way that aligned with divine will.