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Genesis 35:24 - Rachel's legacy through sons

Genesis 35:24 - בראשית 35:24

Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי רָחֵל יוֹסֵף וּבִנְיָמִן׃

English Translation

The sons of Raĥel

Transliteration

Bnei Rachel Yosef u'Viniamin.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֣י רָחֵ֔ל יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃
בְּנֵ֣י רָחֵ֔ל יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Sons of Rachel: Yosef and Binyamin

The verse "בְּנֵי רָחֵל יוֹסֵף וּבִנְיָמִן" (The sons of Rachel: Yosef and Binyamin) appears in Bereishit 46:19 as part of the listing of Yaakov's descendants who descended to Egypt. This seemingly straightforward statement carries deep significance in Jewish tradition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Rachel actually had only two sons - Yosef and Binyamin. This contrasts with Leah who had six sons (Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar, and Zevulun) plus a daughter (Dina). The verse emphasizes Rachel's special status as Yaakov's primary intended wife, despite having fewer children.

Symbolic Meaning of the Two Sons

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:2) explains that these two sons represent two critical aspects of Jewish leadership:

  • Yosef - Symbolizes material sustenance (as provider during famine) and political leadership (as viceroy of Egypt)
  • Binyamin - Represents spiritual leadership (the Temple was later built in his territory)

Special Status of Rachel's Children

The Talmud (Berachot 20a) discusses how Rachel's merit protected her descendants. This explains why:

  • The tribes of Ephraim and Menashe (from Yosef) became leading tribes
  • The first Jewish king (Shaul) came from Binyamin
  • The Temple was built in Binyamin's portion

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim, Rambam notes that Rachel's children maintained purer lineage as Yaakov's primary wife, which contributed to their special roles in Jewish history. This purity manifested in their leadership qualities and divine favor.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Rachel's sons according to Genesis 35:24?
A: According to Genesis 35:24, Rachel's sons were Yosef (Joseph) and Binyamin (Benjamin). This is significant because Rachel was one of the four Matriarchs (Imahot) of the Jewish people, and her sons became the ancestors of two of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the sons of Rachel' separately?
A: The Torah specifies 'the sons of Rachel' separately to highlight Rachel's special status among Yaakov's (Jacob's) wives. Rashi explains that Rachel was Yaakov's primary intended wife from the beginning (Genesis 29:18), and her children held unique roles - Yosef saved the family during famine, and Binyamin was born later in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What is the significance of Rachel having only two sons?
A: Rachel having only two sons shows how quality is more important than quantity in Jewish tradition. Though she had fewer children than Leah, her son Yosef became the leader who sustained the family, and the tribe of Binyamin later produced the first Jewish king (Shaul) and hosted the Temple in its territory. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:2) notes Rachel's deep prayers for children.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity today?
A: This verse reminds us that all Jews today descend from these original tribes. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim) explains that every Jew has a connection to their tribal roots. Rachel's tears for her children (Jeremiah 31:14) symbolize the Jewish people's eternal bond, making this verse foundational to Jewish family identity.