Parshas Vayishlach: Births and Blessings

Just before last Shabbos we had the blessing of welcoming our second son into the world.  It is with gratitude to G-d that we are now able to look forward to his bris and future Bar Mitzvah.

We are very grateful to live in a time and a place where childbirth has become relatively “safe.”  In Judaism, childbirth is recognized as a life-threatening condition, and the mother is considered to be in mortal danger even for three days after giving birth.  Thus if a woman is in labour, even if it is on Shabbat, we are permitted to do almost anything that would break the Shabbat.

Fortunately today, childbirth is not as dangerous as it once was.  Today modern medicine ensures that women in labour and her baby are both constantly monitored by professionals who can identify when one or the other has reached a critically life-threatening point.  At that stage, options like surgery are available to save both lives.  Because of modern sanitation, surgery is not as dangerous as it once was.  The Torah teaches us that we are given doctors and medicine in order to use them for the purpose of saving lives.  Both saving another person’s life and making the decision to choose life by seeking medical intervention when necessary are tremendous mitzvot.

Sadly, in this week’s parsha another Rachel gave birth but did not fare as well.  Rachel Imenu died giving birth to her son Binyamin and was buried on the road, as opposed to being buried with the other patriarchs and matriarchs in the Cave of Machpelah.

The death of Jacob’s favorite wife was no doubt a tragedy in their family.  And yet, it was ultimately part of G-d’s plan and an act of divine mercy.  By being buried on the road outside Jerusalem, Rachel’s tomb is in a place where Jewish exiles throughout the ages have had to pass.  When passing by, the Jews have traditionally stopped to pray and beg for Rachel’s intervention on their behalf.  Rachel Imenu cries out for her children and begs G-d for divine mercy in her merit on their behalf.

We cannot always understand G-d’s plans.  But we certainly should and must express our deepest gratitude whenever we can.  This week, we are extremely grateful to G-d for the safe delivery of our son.  We are also very grateful for all the help and kindness the community has shown us.

We are looking forward to celebrating our son’s bris this Friday morning and we hope you will all be able to join us.

Shabbat shalom!

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