Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were Gad and Asher in the Torah?
A: Gad and Asher were two of the twelve sons of Yaakov (Jacob), born to Zilpah, who was Leah's handmaid. They became the ancestors of two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Gad was known for being strong and courageous, while Asher was associated with prosperity and abundance (see Rashi on Genesis 30:11-13).
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Gad and Asher were born in Paddan-aram?
A: The Torah specifies that Gad and Asher were born in Paddan-aram to emphasize that all of Yaakov's children (except Benjamin) were born outside of the Land of Israel. This highlights that the formation of the tribes began in exile, showing that Jewish identity is not solely tied to the land but also to lineage and covenant (see Ramban on Genesis 35:26).
Q: What is the significance of Zilpah being called 'Leah's handmaid' in this verse?
A: The Torah refers to Zilpah as 'Leah's handmaid' to remind us that she was given to Yaakov as a secondary wife through Leah (see Genesis 30:9). This reflects the family dynamics at the time, where Rachel and Leah's handmaids bore children on their behalf, contributing to the twelve tribes. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) discusses the righteousness of these women in building the nation.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of the twelve tribes?
A: This verse is part of the list of Yaakov's twelve sons, who became the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Gad and Asher, as sons of Zilpah, represent two of these tribes. Each tribe had a unique role in Jewish history, and their blessings later given by Yaakov (Genesis 49) and Moshe (Deuteronomy 33) reflect their distinct characteristics.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the fact that Yaakov's children were born to different mothers?
A: The fact that Yaakov's children were born to four different mothers (Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah) teaches that unity among the Jewish people comes from shared purpose and divine mission, not just identical backgrounds. Despite different origins, all twelve tribes were essential in forming Am Yisrael (the Nation of Israel), as emphasized in Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 10).
The Sons of Zilpah: Gad and Asher
The verse lists the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid: Gad and Asher, emphasizing that they were born to Yaakov in Paddan-Aram. Rashi (on Bereishit 30:10-13) explains that Zilpah was given to Leah as a handmaid by her father Lavan, and when Leah saw that she had stopped bearing children, she gave Zilpah to Yaakov as a wife, following the precedent set by Rachel with Bilhah. This act reflects the matriarchs' deep desire to build the tribes of Israel, as each son would become a foundational tribe of the nation.
The Significance of Their Names
The names Gad and Asher carry prophetic meanings tied to future blessings. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:10), Leah named Gad, declaring "ba gad" ("luck has come"), expressing gratitude for divine providence. Asher's name, meaning "happiness" or "blessing," reflects Leah's joy at his birth (Bereishit 30:13). Ramban (on Bereishit 30:11) notes that these names foreshadow the tribes' destinies—Gad would produce mighty warriors (as seen in Devarim 33:20), while Asher's descendants would be blessed with abundance (Devarim 33:24).
Birth in Paddan-Aram
The phrase "asher yulad lo b'Paddan-Aram" ("who were born to him in Paddan-Aram") highlights that all of Yaakov's children, except Binyamin, were born outside Eretz Yisrael. The Talmud (Megillah 17a) derives from this that exile and return are recurring themes in Jewish history. Additionally, the Sforno (on Bereishit 35:26) teaches that despite being born in a foreign land, these sons were raised with the values of Yaakov's household, ensuring their spiritual integrity.
Zilpah's Role in the Tribes
Though Zilpah was a handmaid, her sons were equal in status to Leah and Rachel's sons, as Yaakov explicitly included them in his blessings (Bereishit 49). The Kli Yakar (on Bereishit 30:9-13) emphasizes that Zilpah's humility and Leah's initiative elevated her sons, demonstrating that divine providence works through all circumstances to fulfill the promise of the Twelve Tribes.