B"H
Thursday, Mar-Cheshvan 11 5784 / October 26, 2023
In Parshat Lech Lecha, which we read this Shabbat, we find that G-d put Abraham and Sarah through many tests to see if their faith in Him will not waver. The beginning of the Parsha, where G-d commands them to leave their birth place and their family and move to an unknown land, was one of the tests.
Although it was a major sacrifice on their part, in addition to being a test, there was also a benefit from Abraham and Sarah’s moving from place to place.
The Midrash uses the following analogy to explain this: A bottle of perfume, of superb fragrance, was placed in the corner of a shelf. As long as it remained there, no one appreciated its fragrance. Only when someone moved the perfume from place to place did everyone enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
The same was with Abraham and Sarah. G-d wanted them to move from place to place so that people could get to know them and learn from their pious and generous ways.
Today, the 11th day in the month of Cheshvan, is the day of passing of our Matriarch Rachel. The story of her passing is told in the Book of Genesis, in Parshat Vayishlach. Although the Torah doesn’t give the exact day of her passing, it is by tradition that we know that it is on the 11th of Cheshvan.
Rachel passed away at a very young age, immediately after giving birth to her second son, Binyamin (Benjamin). Thus, Binyamin’s birthday is the same day as his mother, Rachel’s, day of passing.
Of all of Yaakov’s 12 sons, Binyamin was the only one born in the Holy Land.
Rachelis one of the Four Matriarchs of the Jewish nation. The other three are: Sarah, Rivkah & Leah.
Rachel was buried at the side of the road by the city of Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. Rachel is the only one of the Matriarchs who is not buried in the Cave of Machpailah, in Hebron, near her husband.
Tens of thousands of people will be praying at her grave today that she intercedes in heaven on their behalf. There is no prayer like a mother’s prayer for her children. This is the reason Yaakov buried her at the side of the road. He knew that one day the people of Israel will be exiled from Jerusalem with the destruction of the Temple, and they will be passing by her gravesite. At this point she will pray for them and for their return.
The prophet Jeremiah says, “Thus says G-d, A cry is heard in Rama of wailing and bitter weeping, Rachel is weeping for her children, she refuses to be comforted for her children who are gone.” The prophet continues, “Thus says G-d, restrain your house from weeping, your eyes from shedding tears… There is hope for your future. Your children will return to their country.”
Our matriarch Rachel surely has much to cry for her children in Israel. May her memory be a blessing. May her prayers on high bring healing to us all, especially during this very difficult time. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
WITH SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL