Voices of WRJ: Vayeitzei

by Sandi Firsel In Vayeitzei , Genesis 28:10-32:3, there are many emotionsto consider: love, deceit, sibling rivalry, jealousy, betrayal, thievery,  lies, trickery, and reconciliation. As the parashah begins, Jacob meets Rachel and falls in love. However, he must marry her older sister, Leah, first. Jacob continues to work for his father-in-law, Laban, for seven years until he is finally allowed to marry Rachel, who becomes a co-wife. After Rachel overcomes infertility issues and gives birth to Joseph, Jacob decides to return to Canaan and leave Laban’s home in Haran. Both Rachel and Leah are angry that their father is making it difficult for them to leave by withholding their inheritance. Rachel is very upset about the way her father treated her husband and takes action by stealing Laban’s t’rafim (household gods). Several biblical scholars explain that the household gods are connected to clan leadership and inheritance rights. Jacob’s family is overtaken by Laban on their journey and the two men share their grievances. They are able to compromise. Jacob is ignorant of the actions of Rachel. Rachel hides the t’rafin in the camel’s saddle and sits on them. Laban and his men are unable to find the t’rafin after an extensive search. When Rachel does not stand up in the presence of her father, she states, “The way of women are upon me.”  Therefore, Rachel manipulates the male taboo of menstruation to her advantage. Her father is unsuccessful in finding his property. It appears that at this point Rachel emerges successful from the episode and unpunished. However later in the Torah. Rachel’s actions will be addressed. J.E. Lapsley, a feminist biblical scholar, explains that Rachel’s actions are due to her status in a male dominated world, which does not allow her to confront her father about her rightful inheritance. Rachel’s justice from her father is acquired through devious means, but with feelings of justification. By saying, “The way of the women are upon me,”  she implies that she has no way to rise before her father to plead her case which limits her ability to speak and take action in the male dominated culture. Yet, the “way of women” limits her ability to speak and take action in a culture that will not tolerate that behavior. Therefore, one might see Rachel as a woman who dares to challenge the status quo by taking action to insure her inheritance. By examining Rachel’s actions in this parashah and looking for a contemporary connection for us as women and members of Women of Reform Judaism, we must understand that throughout the 100 years of WRJ, we have challenged male dominance through many acts of social advocacy. From 1913 until the present, our foremothers were actively involved in the “Pursuit of Justice.” Through their steadfast commitment to making a difference they addressed the issues of  women’s suffrage, rabbinical ordination for women, children’s and women’s health care, reproductive rights, pay equity, desegregation, affirmative action, peace and disarmament, gun control, the plight of the elderly, labor issues, secular and religious education, improvement of the environment, and immigration. These social action issues listed were acted upon after resolutions were adopted by members of WRJ. There are numerous resolutions throughout the 100 years that have been created and executed and can be found in WRJ’s Resolution’s and Policy Statements and To Do Justly. At WRJ’s 49^th Assembly & Centennial Celebration, we hope to adopt two more resolutions relating to very current issues. Please read them carefully when they are sent out to your sisterhood and be prepared to take action on them. They will be voted on in our plenary at the WRJ Assembly. Just like Rachel, who tried to seek justice by taking action, so have the Women of Reform Judaism. Our work is not done, we seek to do justly and repair the world, tikkun olam. We continue to make a difference and right the wrongs because we are “stronger together.” Sandi Firsel is WRJ CO- Affiliate Chair, Past President of Midwest District, Past President of Temple Chai Sisterhood, and a member of Temple Chai in Long Grove, IL.