The Cry of Rachel

On 11 Cheshvan 2208 from creation (1553 BCE), Monday night through Tuesday of 22-23 October 2007, the annual yartzeit of the Matriarch Rachel was observed. Rachel passed away along the road to Ephrath in Bethlehem and was buried by her husband Jacob. Many travel to her tomb every year to remember their mother and to implore Hashem to hear their cries.

Given the recent turn of events with the Lebanon War (which left many families in the Galilee region without a home) as well as the continuous pressure from several governmental regimes to give more precious land to those who seek Israel’s destruction, the cry of Rachel grows ever louder. In Jeremiah 31:15 it states, “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”

Mother Rachel’s weeping was heard by those living in Israel during the 1st century with the arrival of the Master who came to call the people to repentance. In that day, Herod sought the destruction of several innocent youths. Now, approximately 2,000 years later, the cry for her children is louder than ever. As her beloved children are expelled from their homes and living amidst turmoil at the threat of further expulsion and destruction, Hashem save us!, she cries out for the one who roused her cries and weeping. Her cries are a herald that announces the soon return of our righteous Messiah.

The current era is full of uncertainty and, if one has no faith in Hashem, the events could easily overwhelm. Let us continue to do repentance, turning to Hashem and seeking to further be imitators of the Messiah. We should all join Mother Rachel in her weeping as we constantly implore Hashem to send us our Messiah once again, speedily and in our days. Amen.

(Credit: Brian R. Volunteer/ Researcher)

About the Author: Toby Janicki is a teacher, writer, and project manager for First Fruits of Zion and Vine of David. He contributes regularly to Messiah Journal and has written several books including God-Fearers: Gentiles and the God of Israel.

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