Monday, Kislev 9, 5778 / November 27, 2017

This week’s Parsha is Vayishlach. In the beginning of the Parsha Yaakov hears that his brother, Esau, who made a vow 34 years earlier to kill Yaakov, is coming toward him with 400 men. "Yaakov was greatly afraid and distressed." he sends gifts to appease Esau and that he should forgive him for receiving his father's blessings. At the same time, Yaakov prepared for battle and prays for G-d's help.

Q.   The Torah tells us that before meeting Esau, “Yaakov took his wives and his eleven children and crossed them over the stream.”  Yaakov, at this time, had eleven sons and one daughter, Dina.  What happened to child number twelve?

A.   Our sages say that Yaakov was worried that Esau may fall in love with Dina and want to marry her.  To avoid this, Yaakov placed her in a box, so that the wicked Esau will not see her.

Q.   In the Parsha we read how, on the way, Rachel gave birth to her second son, Binyamin (Benjamin).  She passed away soon after giving birth. How old was Rachel when she passed away?

A.  The Torah doesn’t tell her age, but our sages say that she was thirty six when she passed away.

Q.   Why did Rachel pass away at such a young age?

A.  When Yaakov left his father-in-law, Lavan, Rachel “stole her father’s idols,” so that her father wouldn’t worship his idols anymore.  Yaakov had no idea that Rachel took them.  When Lavan chased after Yaakov and asked him, “Why did you steal my god,” Yaakov said that he didn’t steal them and added, “With whomever you will find them they shall not live.”  Due to this curse, Rachel, who did steal them, died very soon after.

Q.  The Torah tells us, “And Rachel died and was buried at the road of Ephrata which is Beth-Lechem (Bethlehem).” Why did Yaakov bury his beloved wife Rachel at the side of the road?

A.  Our sages say that Yaakov knew that eventually the Holy Temple will be destroyed and the Jewish people will be exiled and driven out of Jerusalem and on their way they will travel on the road by the city of Bethlehem.  For their benefit he buried Rachel at the side of the road, so when they pass her grave Rachel will pray for them.

Q.  Where is Yaakov’s wife Leah buried?

A. Leah is buried together with Yaakov in the Me’arat Hamachpeila, in Hebron. Thus, the three patriarchs, Abraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov and three of the matriarchs, Sarah, Rivkah and Leah are buried there. Rachel is the only matriarch that is not buried in Hebron.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY