(2019/5780)
In Parashat Vayeitzei, the Torah tells us that Ya’akov Avinu flees to Lavan’s house for refuge from Eisav. There, he meets Lavan’s two daughters, Lei’ah and Rachel. Yaakov immediately falls in love with Rachel, as the Torah says, “VaYe’ehav Ya’akov Et Rachel,” “Ya’akov Loved Rachel” (BeReishit 29:18). Moreover, Rashi quotes Chazal as saying that Rachel Imeinu was destined to marry Yaakov (BeReishit 29:17 s.v. Rakot). However, when Lei’ah Imeinu has the opportunity to marry Ya’akov instead, Rachel helps facilitate the marriage between her sister and Rachel’s soulmate. Rashi adds that Rachel and Yaakov had signs between them which Rachel told to Lei’ah before the wedding so as to save Lei'ah from embarrassment at her wedding (BeReishit 29:25 s.v. VaYehi VaBoker VeHinei Hi Lei’ah). However, even after this sacrifice by Rachel, Lei’ah still feels contempt and jealousy towards Rachel, as Lei’ah is unloved by Ya’akov. Yet, even as Lei’ah is jealous of Rachel, Rachel is jealous of Lei’ah’s ability to bear children (BeReishit 30:1). This competition clearly continues, since when Rachel gives her maidservant to Ya’akov as a wife, Lei’ah does the same. Thus, the question arises, how could two of our foremothers act in such a seemingly selfish and childish manner after previously having such a seemingly loving and caring relationship?
Rashi writes in the name of the Midrash BeReishit Rabbah that of course Rachel was not acting in such a selfish manner. She saw Lei’ah’s childbearing ability and believed that it was a result of Lei’ah’s piety. Thus, when the Torah writes that Rachel was jealous of Lei’ah, it actually meant that she was jealous of Lei’ah’s piety, not her ability to bear children (BeReishit 30:1 s.v. VaTikanei Rachel Be’Achotah). However, Rashi’s interpretation seemingly ignores Rachel’s complaints to Ya’akov in the rest of the Pasuk as well as Ya’akov’s response in the next Pasuk. When Rachel complains to Ya’akov, she says, “Havah Li Banim,” “Give me a child” (BeReishit 30:1). Furthermore, Ya’akov responds by saying “HaTachat Elokim Anochi Asher Mana Mimeich Peri Vaten,” “Am I in place of God who has withheld from you a child” (BeReishit 30:2).
The Or HaChaim (BeReishit 30:1) writes that Rachel was not jealous of Lei’ah. Instead she was jealous of what Lei’ah represents. Had Lei’ah not been her sister, then Rachel’s inability to bear a child could have been a genetic issue. Thus, Rachel Imeinu was truly frustrated with herself because of her inability to bear children, because, as Rashi writes, someone who is childless is like they are dead (BeReishit 30:1 s.v. Meitah Anochi). However, the Or HaChayim continues by saying that Rachel felt cheated as she could not blame the lack of a child on Ya’akov, as he was righteous. Therefore, Rachel was indeed jealous of Lei’ah, since Lei’ah had succeeded where Rachel had failed.
Ultimately, Rachel and Lei’ah both clearly cared about each other and each wanted to see the other succeed in any way possible. However, their jealousy of each other seemingly blocked this selflessness from time to time. Thus, it is important to never take those around oneself for granted. Those close to someone are always looking out for their wellbeing and, although sometimes certain feelings can prevent people from seeing this, it is important for one to overcome this and recognize how much those around him or her truly care.