Parshat Toldos
4 Kislev 5764
November 29, 2003

Daf Yomi: Menachos 54

Guest Author:
Rabbi Zvi Ron
Associate Member, YICR

 

When the Torah relates the story of the birth of Yaakov and Eisav, an unusual word is used, "ve'hinei tomim be'vitnah" "then behold! There were twins in her womb" (25:24). The Rashbam comments that the word "hinei" implies some element of surprise, that something is taking place not in accordance with what was previously assumed. But who was surprised when twins were born? Rivka was informed by HaShem that she was pregnant with twins, she knew what to expect. Sforno comments that the midwives also knew that this was a twin pregnancy. Could it be that Rivka never told Yitzchak that she was pregnant with twins? This may not seem so strange when we consider that Rivka did not share with Yitzchak the prophecy that was given her from HaShem, that "the elder shall serve the younger" (25:23). If Yitzchak had known this prophecy, it would have been unnecessary for Rivka to resort to subterfuge to make sure that Yaakov received the appropriate blessing.

Our Sages note that there were multiple instances where Rivka did not share information with Yitzchak. The Maharal, in his commentary Gur Aryeh, writes that Rivka did not tell Yitzchak of the hardships that she felt during her difficult pregnancy. Instead "she went to inquire of HaShem" (25:22). The Maharal explains that Rivka was embarrassed to tell her husband of her trouble. She did not want Yitzchak to think that this was happening to her as a punishment for her idolatrous past during her years growing up in the house of Betuel. The Netziv, in his commentary Hamek Davar, writes that from the moment that Rivka first saw Yitzchak, a saintly figure praying in the field, she felt awe and fear. The Netziv explains that Rivka was filled with feelings of inadequacy, she did not feel worthy of marrying such a holy man. Out of shame she covered herself with a scarf, and out of fear she fell off of her camel. The Netziv states that because of these feelings Rivka was unable to communicate with Yitzchak and express to him who she felt really deserved his holy blessing, and instead had to resort to subterfuge.

In fact, the only time the Torah quotes a direct statement made by Rivka to Yitzchak is when she makes up a reason for Yaakov to run away to Padan Aram (27:46).

She claims that Yaakov should go away in order that he should not marry a local girl. The Rashbam explains that Rivka did not want to reveal to her husband the truth, that Yaakov's life was in danger. Rav Sorotzkin, in his commentary Oznayim LaTorah, explains that this is hinted to in the small letter kuf in the word 'katzti' with which Rivka begins her statement to Yitzchak. From all this we see the great difficulty that Rivka had in speaking to Yitzchak. This all stemmed from her feeling that she was not worthy to be the wife of a great tzaddik.

Yitzchak tried to do everything right, but the feelings that Rivka had persisted. Though from an intellectual perspective, we can say that Rivka should not have felt this way, emotions do not always follow the rules of logic. The story of Yitzchak and Rivka demonstrates to us the complicated thoughts and emotions that are present in relationships between people with different levels of observance. Sometimes there is not much we can do, and even when we try our best to be sensitive, people react in unexpected ways. Still, we have to do our best. We should always have in mind to think about the feelings of others and their particular concerns, so that everyone will feel that the world of Torah Judaism is open and welcoming.

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