What holds more power, the things we say, or the moments we choose not to?
In this week’s Torah portion, we meet Rachel, the mother of the Jewish people. What is the source of her unique power? What makes her the true matriarch of Israel? Rashi points out that even the sons born to Leah regarded Rachel as the primary mother of all of Jacob’s children. What, then, makes Rachel so special?
It is her remarkable ability to remain silent at the most crucial moments. She kept quiet when her sister married Jacob before her. She remained silent when Leah received the gifts from Jacob that were intended for her, and also when she watched Leah give birth to six children while she herself remained childless. In many other painful and challenging moments, Rachel chose silence. Purposeful, dignified, and compassionate silence.
Centuries later, Rachels descendant, Queen Esther would embody this same strength, following in the footsteps of Rachel. At Mordechai’s request, Esther concealed her identity, and her silence ultimately paved the way for the miracle that saved the Jewish people from annihilation.
From Rachel and Esther, we learn a profound lesson about the power of silence. Often, it is our quiet moments that bring about the greatest breakthroughs and the deepest transformations. The next time we feel compelled to speak, it is worth asking ourselves: might silence accomplish more?
Sometimes the communication that happens in silence is deeper and more meaningful than anything words can express.
Indeed, in Pirkei Avot the Sages teach, “I have found nothing better for the body than silence.” The power of silence is so great that it is considered one of the highest virtues in the eyes of our Sages.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Zalman and Esty
