The Precious Gift of Love \ Parashat Vayechei
"And when I came from Padan, Rachel's death fell upon me in the Land of Canaan in the road, when there was still a stretch of land to come to Efrat, and I buried her there on the way to Efrat, which is Bet Lechem" (Bereishis 48:7). Yaacov Avinu explained to Yoseph the reason why he did not bury Rachel, Yoseph's mother, in Machpeila. Rachel died while giving birth to Benyamin on the road near Bet Lechem, which is about ten miles from Machpeilah. "Rachel's death fell upon me," as our Sages taught, "The husband suffers more than anyone else when his wife passes on." Yaacov explained, "The sudden death of Rachel, at such a young age, hit me so hard that I had no recourse other than to bury her in the place where she died on the road. I didn't even have the strength to bring her to the cemetery in Bet Lechem. In fact, Rachel's death so weakened me, that I never regained my former strength."
The hearts of Yaacov and Rachel were bound together in perfect, inseparable, and irreplaceable love.The powerful impact that Rachel's sudden death had on Yaacov, reveals the intense love, closeness, and admiration that Yaacov held for his beloved, Rachel.
Application: Be inspired by Yaacov Avinu to strengthen your love for your loved ones. Reflect on the gift of having the precious love of your dear ones in your life, and the joy of their companionship. Strengthen your love, care, and appreciation of your dear ones. Express your love to loved ones, spend time with them, and enjoy their company.
(Based on the commentary of the Seforno)
