Genesis 35:20 - Eternal marker of Rachel's legacy

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיַּצֵּב יַעֲקֹב מַצֵּבָה עַל־קְבֻרָתָהּ הִוא מַצֶּבֶת קְבֻרַת־רָחֵל עַד־הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Raĥel’s grave to this day.

Transliteration

Vayatzem Yaakov matzeva al-kvurata hi matzevet kever-Rachel ad-hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּצֵּ֧ב יַעֲקֹ֛ב מַצֵּבָ֖ה עַל־קְבֻרָתָ֑הּ הִ֛וא מַצֶּ֥בֶת קְבֻֽרַת־רָחֵ֖ל עַד־הַיּֽוֹם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Yaakov's Monument for Rachel

The verse (Bereishit 35:20) describes Yaakov Avinu erecting a matzeivah (pillar) upon Rachel's grave, which remained standing "until this day." Rashi explains that this phrase indicates the monument's enduring nature—lasting at least until the time of Moshe Rabbeinu, who recorded this event in the Torah. The Ramban adds that this monument served as a public marker, ensuring Rachel's burial place would be remembered for generations.

Rachel's Unique Burial Site

Unlike the other Imahot (Matriarchs), Rachel was buried on the roadside near Beit Lechem rather than in Me'arat HaMachpelah. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 82:10) explains that Yaakov deliberately buried her there so that her descendants—the exiles of the Jewish people—would find comfort in her presence as they passed by during the Babylonian exile (Yirmiyahu 31:14-16). The matzeivah thus became a symbol of Rachel's eternal compassion for her children.

The Halachic Perspective on Grave Markers

The Talmud (Moed Katan 5a) derives from this verse the importance of marking gravesites, establishing a halachic precedent. The Rambam (Hilchos Avel 4:4) codifies this as a mitzvah to place a marker so that kohanim can avoid tumah (ritual impurity) and mourners can identify the location for visitation. This practice originates from Yaakov's act of honoring Rachel.

Symbolism of the Matzeivah

Permanence of Memory: The Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "until this day" emphasizes the Jewish people's duty to preserve the memory of tzaddikim.
Connection to Eretz Yisrael: The Kli Yakar suggests the monument affirmed Rachel's bond to the land, as her burial in Bnei Yisrael's future territory foreshadowed their return.
Contrast with Earlier Matzeivot: Unlike the pillars Yaakov erected in earlier parshiyot (e.g., Bereishit 28:18), which were temporary markers or altars, this matzeivah carried eternal significance as a gravesite.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 5b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the permissibility of erecting monuments on graves, with Jacob's action serving as a precedent.

📖 Bava Batra 58a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the identification and location of Rachel's grave, emphasizing its enduring marker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) set up a pillar on Rachel's grave?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 35:20), Yaakov set up a pillar as a lasting monument to mark Rachel's burial place. This was a common practice in biblical times to honor the deceased and ensure their burial site would be remembered. The Torah emphasizes that this pillar remained standing 'to this day,' showing its lasting significance.

Q: Where is Rachel's grave located according to Jewish tradition?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (Talmud, Megillah 29a; Genesis Rabbah 82:10) identify Rachel's burial site as being near Bethlehem, along the road to Efrat. This location is mentioned in the verse itself ('on the way to Efrat, which is Bethlehem'). Jewish tradition has continuously recognized this site, and it remains a place of prayer and pilgrimage to this day.

Q: What is the significance of Rachel's burial place in Judaism?
A: Rachel's grave holds deep significance in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Eicha Rabbah) describes Rachel as a special advocate for the Jewish people, pleading before Hashem for their mercy. Her burial outside Bethlehem (rather than in the Cave of Machpelah with the other patriarchs and matriarchs) is explained as allowing her to comfort her descendants when they were exiled (Jeremiah 31:14-16). The site remains an important place of prayer.