Rachel, fourth of the four matriarchs, was the wife of Jacob. She was also the second daughter of Laban, Rebecca’s brother.

Rachel was Jacob’s first love. But there were many obstacles to their marriage. Rachel’s father, Laban, forced Jacob to work for seven years in order to earn her as a wife. Then at the last minute he deceived Jacob into marrying his older daughter, Leah, instead. Then he forced Jacob to work another seven years in order to marry Rachel as well. Talk about a devoted husband!

But Rachel was an equally devoted, selfless and compassionate woman and mother. In fact, she even facilitated her father’s deception so that Leah would not be publicly humiliated. Like most of our matriarchs, Rachel was at first not able to have children. Seeing that her husband was destined to be the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, she encouraged him to take other wives who could bear the children that she couldn’t. Not surprisingly, the two children she eventually had—Joseph and Benjamin—were Jacob’s favorites, and played unique roles in Jewish history.

Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. At her request, Jacob buried her by the roadside, in Bethlehem, rather than in the Cave of Machpelah. The commentaries tell us that Rachel chose this place so that in future generations, when the Jews would be driven into exile along this road, her soul would weep before G‑d and plead for them. “Rachel weeps over her children, for they are gone [in exile]” (Jeremiah 31:14). Her tomb has served as a place of prayer for Jews for more than 35 centuries.


Resources

Explore the holy site of Rachel’s Tomb


In-Depth Study

Rachel
Of all the great leaders of Israel, it was Rachel who waged war against the heavenly accusers, demanding from G‑d that He have mercy on her children. Only she was capable of eliciting G‑d’s compassion . . . Read


A Mother’s Tears—Rachel weeps for her children
We all hope and pray for a biological mother who will protect and nurture us. But even when we are deprived of a nurturing mother, we are never deprived of Rachel, who always stands vigil, adoring us unconditionally, then and now—to this very day . . . Read


A Jewish Mother
Suddenly, amidst all the noise, a wail pierced through the heavens. Mama Rachel, hearing her children’s cries, began weeping bitterly for her children. She was inconsolable. Her children were in pain! Read


Rachel’s Amazing Secret
After all others failed, Rachel successfully persuaded G‑d to bring her children back from their exiled lands. What merit did she have which swayed G‑d? Read


Video: As Brothers and Sisters
Rachel’s Lesson in Life and in Death. Watch