Genesis 29:17 - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch - Weak-eyed, yet chosen matriarch

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Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

The phrase "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (Bereishit 29:17) describes Leah's eyes as "רכות," which is commonly translated as "weak" or "tender." Traditional Orthodox Jewish commentators offer several interpretations of this description:

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 123a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the physical descriptions of Leah and Rachel, highlighting Leah's weak eyes and Rachel's beauty.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Hebrew Text

וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak

Transliteration

Ve'eyney Le'ah rakot ve'Rachel hayta yefat to'ar viyfat mareh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת־תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of "וְעֵינֵי לֵאָה רַכּוֹת" (And Le᾽a’s eyes were weak)

Rashi's Interpretation: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak from crying. According to Midrashic tradition (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah wept because she believed she was destined to marry Esav (Yaakov's brother), and she prayed fervently to avoid this fate. Her tears caused her eyes to become "רכות" – tender or weakened.
Ramban's Perspective: Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that "רכות" implies Leah's eyes lacked the brightness and beauty that Rachel possessed. This was not necessarily a negative trait but rather a contrast to Rachel's striking appearance ("יפת תאר ויפת מראה").
Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) also connects Leah's eyes to her righteousness. Her "weak eyes" symbolize humility and piety, as she was constantly praying and beseeching Hashem to change her destiny. Unlike Rachel, whose beauty was external, Leah's spiritual greatness was internal.
Ibn Ezra's Explanation: Ibn Ezra offers a more literal interpretation, stating that Leah's eyes were naturally delicate or sensitive, distinguishing her from Rachel's striking beauty.

Contrast Between Leah and Rachel

The verse juxtaposes Leah's "weak eyes" with Rachel's beauty ("וְרָחֵל הָיְתָה יְפַת־תֹּאַר וִיפַת מַרְאֶה") to highlight their differing qualities:

Leah’s greatness lay in her spiritual strength and devotion, as seen in her tearful prayers and later as the mother of six tribes of Israel.
Rachel’s beauty was outward, but she, too, was righteous in her own way, as evidenced by her later acts of selflessness (e.g., giving over the signs to Leah on her wedding night).

Halachic and Moral Lessons

From this verse, we derive important lessons:

True Beauty: Physical appearance is secondary to inner righteousness, as Leah's spiritual greatness outweighed her lack of external beauty.
The Power of Prayer: Leah's tearful supplications demonstrate the efficacy of heartfelt prayer in altering one's destiny.
Divine Providence: Despite Leah's initial sorrow, she became a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, showing that Hashem’s plan transcends human expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah describe Leah's eyes as 'weak' (Genesis 29:17)?
A: Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were 'weak' (רכות) from crying because she thought she would have to marry Esav (Esau). According to Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16), Leah was originally destined to marry Esav, and Rachel to marry Yaakov (Jacob). Leah prayed and cried to avoid this fate, causing her eyes to become tender.

Q: Why does the Torah contrast Leah's appearance with Rachel's in Genesis 29:17?
A: The Torah contrasts Leah's 'weak eyes' with Rachel's beauty to show their different qualities. While Rachel was outwardly beautiful (יפת תאר ויפת מראה), Leah had inner spiritual strength. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:16) teaches that Leah's tears and humility made her worthy to become the mother of many tribes of Israel.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Leah's 'weak eyes' in the Torah?
A: Leah's 'weak eyes' teach us the power of sincere prayer and humility. Though she was not outwardly beautiful like Rachel, her tears and devotion to Hashem made her spiritually great. The Talmud (Sotah 12a) compares Leah's humility to Moshe (Moses), showing that true greatness comes from inner character, not external appearance.

Q: How does the description of Leah's eyes relate to Jewish values?
A: The Torah's description emphasizes that Jewish values prioritize inner qualities over physical beauty. As Rambam (Hilchos De'os 4:19) teaches, true beauty is found in wisdom and good deeds. Leah's 'weak eyes' symbolize her spiritual sensitivity, making her a fitting matriarch of the Jewish people alongside Rachel.