Rachel, Our Mother: The Legacy of a Matriarch

Rachel was born into a home far from the teachings of the Torah, surrounded by idol worship. Growing up in her father's house was not easy, nor was her later life as a wife and mother. The hardships she endured in her short life granted her the esteemed role of "Mother of the Nation" - the one who understands our hearts, who mourns for us, and prays on our behalf.

Rachel was the daughter of Laban, known for his deceit. Even his nickname, "the Aramean," hints at his tricky nature, as "Aramean" rearranged forms "deceiver."

At just 15, Rachel, a shepherdess, met Jacob by the well. He miraculously moved a stone to reveal water, which she used to water her flock, sparking the initial bond between them. Since Jacob had no dowry to offer Laban, Rachel's father, he proposed working seven years for her hand in marriage. Aware of Laban's deceitful nature, Rachel and Jacob established secret "signs" to recognize each other at the wedding.

As many of us remember from our childhood tales, Rachel was switched with her sister Leah on her wedding day by her father, Laban. In an act of supreme selflessness, Rachel gave Leah the "signs" to spare her embarrassment when Jacob would seek them.

Our sages reveal that these "signs" were none other than the laws of challah, niddah, and candle lighting - represented by the acronym "Chanah."

"Give Me Children, or I Die"

Following another seven years of Jacob's labor for Laban, Rachel and Jacob finally married. Yet, Rachel's trials continued as she discovered her barrenness. While her sister and their handmaids bore children, Rachel stood by, mourning her fate. In desperation, she pleaded with Jacob: "Give me children, or else I die."

Rachel's prayers were answered, and she bore a son, Joseph, a name with dual meaning. It represented the removal of her disgrace and her hope for another child: "And she conceived, and bore a son; and said, 'Hashem has taken away my disgrace.' She named him Joseph, saying, 'May Hashem add to me another son.'"

One night, Jacob and Rachel chose to flee from her father's house and start anew. Tragically, during their journey to Ephrath, Rachel died giving birth to her second son. With her last breath, she named him Ben-Oni, but in his grief, Jacob renamed him Benjamin. Rachel was said to be 36 at her death. Jacob's love for Rachel endured in his devotion to their sons, first Joseph, then the youngest, Benjamin.

Rachel is the only matriarch not buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs. Tradition tells us Jacob laid her to rest on the road because he foresaw the Jewish people passing through Bethlehem during their exile, hoping she would feel their sorrow and pray for them.

Rachel's virtues and traits were inherited by her descendants. Her modesty in sharing the signs appeared in King Saul, her descendant. Her choice of silence was mirrored in Benjamin, who kept the secret of Joseph's sale, and in Esther, who concealed her Jewish identity.

"This is what Hashem says: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.' Thus says Hashem: 'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,' declares Hashem, 'and they will return from the land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,' declares Hashem, 'your children will return to their own land.'" (Jeremiah 31:15-17)