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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2006, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
5. RASHI METHOD: CONTRADICTION
BRIEF EXPLANATION:Rashi resolves contradictory verses using 3 methods.
This examples applies to Rashis Gn29-25a
URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gn29-25a.htm

We see the contradiction---Was Jacob double crossed by day or night?

Rashi resolves this by distinguishing two stages in the marriage: Laban gave Leah to Jacob for the wedding night. But Jacob and Rachel had personal [flirting] signs and Rachel gave these to Leah. So Jacob only fully became aware at morning that Leah was really Leah.

I think a more palatable approach to this Rashi is the following: Traditionally men are in interested in physical characteristics while women are interested in the person. The Bible explicitly states that Jacob loved Rachel because of her figure and good looks (No mention of personality!). As is well known men and women can flirt with each other by glances and smiles. Rachel quickly found out what Jacob liked and taught Leah how to flirt with him. Laban told Jacob at the beginning of the 7 years that he couldn't marry the younger daughter before the older daughter. Jacob was at first relunctant But when Leah started flirting with him the way he liked he decided to marry Leah. However after the wedding night Leah had what she wanted and had no reason to placate Jacob. She started acting herself. It was only at this point that Jacob realized he was double-crossed and not getting the physical flirtations he wanted from a wife. Laban simply reminded him of the deal they had made seven years ago but offered him Rachel also.

Sermonic points: The above approach to Rashi makes sense. It also has relevance. It is well known that patriarchal stories create role models for the Jewish people. No Jew really worries about being double crossed in whom he marries. But it is relevant to religious men to be aware that women play such games with them--Rachels will frequently help fellow women like Leah to catch men. Women think it silly that men are interested in physical attributes and not in personality. So this incident as interpreted above has extreme relevance to us.

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