In many myths from various cultures, the characters are often heroes and larger than life, like Hercules, Maui, and Vishnu, just to name a few. A far cry from the humanity apparent in the characters of the Torah—especially in the book of Genesis. The humanization of our heroes makes them fallible, flawed, and abundantly accessible.
To me, this week’s parasha really drives this point home.
By the time Jacob has had four children with Leah, Rachel has realized that she is barren — unable to have children — so she begs and pleads with Jacob to provide a child for her lest she die.
“And Jacob was incensed at Rachel and said, ‘Can I take the place of God, who has denied you the fruit of the womb?’”
This vignette is so raw, so human, and so full of complexity that it’s exceedingly relatable. First, there is the yearning to have a child, along with frustration and deep, bargaining sadness. Rachel wants to be heard and seen, while Jacob lashes out with pettiness, saying, “Whaddya think, I’m God or something?” He acknowledges his limitations, albeit harshly. His response is callous, and he’s unable to see Rachel’s perspective; yet it is honest, as he knows full well he can’t solve this problem.
The Rambam points out that even Rachel’s demand is petty in that she tries to play to Jacob’s emotions threatening him with the death of his beloved wife should she not have a child.
All of this is derived from one verse, so imagine what the rest of the text has to say! See you Saturday morning at 9:30 for Torah study!