Leah, Our Foremother: Ten Fascinating Facts About Her Legacy

Leah was the eldest daughter of Laban, the sister of Rachel, and the wife of Jacob. Initially married in place of Rachel through deception, she later shared Jacob's affection alongside Rachel. Leah's legacy in forming the Jewish people is profound: she gave birth to six sons, who became the heads of six tribes of Israel. Jewish tradition focuses on Leah's character, her powerful prayers, gratitude, and unwavering faith.

1. The Power of Prayer - The Alsheich elaborates on the verse "And Leah's eyes were soft" to suggest: "The holy Torah informs us of the virtues that the soul should strive for in prayer and supplication to Hashem. Though many factors favored Rachel, who was younger, deemed suitable, and loved, Leah preceded her through prayer."

2. Trusting Only Hashem - The Alsheich further comments: "The Torah teaches a great principle of faith, to rely not on natural things but solely on Hashem, and then salvation will quickly come, unlike those who cling to natural ways..." He explains that Leah gave Rachel the mandrakes to demonstrate all her trust in Hashem, and indeed, Rachel conceived only after Leah bore two more sons and a daughter.

3. Leah Was Buried with Jacob Due to Her Prayers. The Zohar states: "Why wasn't Rachel buried with him, even though she is described as barren, implying she was the primary wife? Leah earned this merit by bringing six holy tribes into the world, forming a deeper bond with Jacob. Rabbi Judah said Leah would stand at crossroads daily, praying to marry Jacob, for she heard of his righteousness and preceded others with her prayers."

4. Prayers of Tears - The Zohar adds: "Leah shed many tears, praying to be Jacob's, not Esau's. This teaches that when someone sheds tears before Hashem, even if they are already sentenced to punishment, that decree can be torn, and the punishment won't take hold. We learn this from Leah, who was destined for Esau, but through prayer, married Jacob instead."

5. The Power of Gratitude - The Talmud (Bavli) says about Leah: "Rabbi Yochanan said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai, since creation, no one thanked Hashem until Leah did, as it is written: 'This time I will praise Hashem.'"

6. Great Gifts: According to Midrash Rabbah, Leah merited that the priestly and royal tribes emerged from her: "Leah, given great gifts; eternal priesthood and royalty."

7. Pure Intentions for Heavenly Sake: Rashi interprets that Leah's entire motivation was for heavenly purposes: "She desired to increase the number of tribes."

8. Passed Down Gratitude - Midrash Rabbah notes: "Leah possessed the trait of gratitude, and her descendants shared it. Judah said, 'She is more righteous than I,' David declared, 'Praise Hashem, for He is good,' and Daniel said, 'To You, Hashem of my ancestors, I give thanks.'"

9. Silent Prayers Heard by Hashem - Midrash Tanchuma teaches from Leah the strength of prayer, even when silent: "While people can't hear silent prayers, Hashem hears immediately... Leah was meant for Esau, and Rachel for Jacob, but Leah would sit at crossroads, asking about Esau. When told of his evil deeds, she wept, fearing she and Rachel, sisters, would be divided in marriage. Her eyes became soft from crying in prayer, and Hashem saw her sorrow."

10. Hashem Said, "You Are Merciful" - The righteousness of Leah is illustrated in Midrash Tanchuma: "After bearing six sons, Leah foresaw twelve tribes would emerge from Jacob, and already six were hers. She was pregnant with the seventh, and with two each from the maidservants, ten were accounted for. Leah prayed: if this is a son, my sister Rachel will be like the maidservants. Hashem heard Leah's plea, turning her child into a daughter, named Dinah. The name reflects Leah's justifications to Hashem, who answered, 'You are merciful, and I too will show mercy,' and thus He remembered Rachel."

Rabbi Berel Wein on Leah's Legacy: