Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Bilhah in the Torah?
A: Bilhah was the maidservant of Rachel, one of Jacob's wives. According to Rashi (Genesis 29:29), she was given to Rachel by her father Laban when Rachel married Jacob. Since Rachel was initially barren, she gave Bilhah to Jacob as a wife to bear children on her behalf (Genesis 30:3).
Q: Why did Rachel give her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob?
A: Rachel was unable to conceive initially (Genesis 30:1-2), so she followed the precedent set by Sarah with Hagar (Genesis 16:2). According to the Talmud (Yevamot 65b), a child born to a maidservant in this context would be considered the child of the mistress. Rachel hoped that through Bilhah, she could build her family.
Q: What is the significance of Bilhah bearing a second son for Jacob?
A: Each of Jacob's sons became the ancestor of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Bilhah's two sons—Dan and Naphtali (Genesis 30:6-8)—were among these tribes. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:4) explains that these births fulfilled Jacob's destiny to father the tribes that would form the nation of Israel.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish tradition about family structure?
A: This verse reflects the ancient practice where a childless wife could give her maidservant to her husband to bear children (as seen with Sarah and Hagar). However, Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 21:11) clarifies that such practices are no longer permitted in Jewish law after the giving of the Torah. The Torah later establishes clear marital laws in Deuteronomy 21:15-17.
Q: What lessons can we learn from Rachel's actions with Bilhah?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 10a) teaches that Rachel's deep desire for children demonstrated her commitment to building the Jewish nation. However, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:6) also notes the tensions this caused between Rachel and Leah, reminding us of the importance of trust in marriage and patience in difficult circumstances.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 30:7) describes Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, bearing a second son for Yaakov. This event occurs within the broader narrative of the rivalry between Rachel and Leah, where each seeks to bear children for Yaakov, including through their maidservants (Bilhah and Zilpah).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi notes that the phrase "וַתַּהַר עוֹד" ("and she conceived again") emphasizes the continuation of Bilhah's fertility, highlighting Hashem's blessing in response to Rachel's prayers (Bereshit 30:6). The naming of the child (Dan and later Naphtali) reflects Rachel's emotional state—gratitude for divine judgment ("Dan") and her struggle ("Naphtali").
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 1:7) discusses the permissibility of a maidservant bearing children for her mistress's husband when freed and married properly. Bilhah's status as Rachel's maidservant-turned-wife aligns with this halachic framework, ensuring the children's legitimacy.
Symbolism of the Tribes
The Ibn Ezra notes that the births through Bilhah and Zilpah completed the foundational twelve tribes, each representing a unique aspect of Klal Yisrael's spiritual mission. Dan and Naphtali, though born to a maidservant, held equal standing among the tribes.