Arguing with Hashem

In that very moment (as Moshe was speaking), Rachel our matriarch jumped up and said before the Holy one Blessed be He, Master of the universe, it is known before you that Jacob, your servant, loved me dearly and worked for my father for seven years to marry me, and when he finished those seven years of work and it came time for our wedding, my father wanted to switch me for my sister. This was very difficult for me, and when I found out about my father’s plan, I told Jacob about it. And I gave him special signs by which he would be able to tell the difference between me and my sister, so that my father would not be able to switch us. Later on, I felt regretful for this. I overcame my desire, and I had compassion for my sister, that she should not be embarrassed. That evening, my father switched me for my sister, and I gave all of the signs that I had agreed upon with Jacob to my sister, so that Jacob would think Leah was me.

Not only that, I also hid under their bed where they were lying together, and as Jacob spoke with Leah, she remained silent and I answered on her behalf, so that Jacob would not recognize the voice of my sister. And in this way, I displayed an act of loving-kindness for my sister; She was not embarrassed. And just as I, mere flesh and blood, was willing to forgo my pain for the sake of my sister not feeling embarrassed, so too you, oh G-d, King of the universe, the merciful one, why do you feel jealous for idol worship-which truly amounts to nothing?! You have exiled my children and killed them and allowed their enemies to do what they wish with them.

Immediately, G-d’s compassion was stirred, and G-d said, "For you, Rachel, I will bring the children of Israel back to their place." As it is written (Jeremiah 31:15) “Thus said the LORD: A cry is heard in Ramah— Wailing, bitter weeping— Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted For her children, who are gone.” And it is written (Jeremiah 31:16) “Thus said the LORD: Restrain your voice from weeping, Your eyes from shedding tears; For there is a reward for your labor…” And it is written, (Jeremiah 31:17) “And there is hope for your future —declares the LORD: Your children shall return to their country.”

(1) The LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah; and Jonah remained in the fish’s belly three days and three nights. (2) Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish. (3) He said: In my trouble I called to the LORD, And He answered me; From the belly of Sheol I cried out, And You heard my voice. (4) You cast me into the depths, Into the heart of the sea, The floods engulfed me; All Your breakers and billows Swept over me. (5) I thought I was driven away Out of Your sight: Would I ever gaze again Upon Your holy Temple? (6) The waters closed in over me, The deep engulfed me. Weeds twined around my head. (7) I sank to the base of the mountains; The bars of the earth closed upon me forever. Yet You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God! (8) When my life was ebbing away, I called the LORD to mind; And my prayer came before You, Into Your holy Temple. (9) They who cling to empty folly Forsake their own welfare, (10) But I, with loud thanksgiving, Will sacrifice to You; What I have vowed I will perform. Deliverance is the LORD’s! (11) The LORD commanded the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon dry land.

(17) Every argument that is for [the sake of] heaven's name, it is destined to endure. But if it is not for [the sake of] heaven's name -- it is not destined to endure. What is [an example of an argument] for [the sake of] heaven's name? The argument of Hillel and Shammai. What is [an example of an argument] not for [the sake of] heaven's name? The argument of Korach and all of his congregation.