Two Nations in Her Womb

From the Sources

“וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ” (Bereishit כה:כב)

“But the children struggled in her womb” (Bereishit 25:22)

Rivka and Yitzchak both davened to Hashem and she became pregnant.  The pregancy was very difficult and Rivka went to consult with Hashem, which the midrash says meant that she went to the Yeshiva of Shem and Aiver, where she was told that she was expecting twins.

Yaakov the tzaddik and Eisav the Rasha were fighting inside Rivka’s womb.  One explanation that is given is that Aisav’s hairiness was bothering Yaakov and that is why there was a lot of movement.

“וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה לָ֗הּ שְׁנֵ֤י גיים [גוֹיִם֙] בְּבִטְנֵ֔ךְ וּשְׁנֵ֣י לְאֻמִּ֔ים מִמֵּעַ֖יִךְ יִפָּרֵ֑דוּ” (Bereishit כה:כג)

“and HaShem answered her, “Two nations are in your womb, Two separate peoples shall issue from your body”” (Bereishit 25:23)

Rashi comments on the spelling of גיים (nations) that it refers to exalted or noble people.  Citing Avoda Zara 11a he says that this refers to the wealthy people Antoninus who came from Aisav and Rebbi (Rav Yehuda HaNassi) who came from Yaakov.  Both of these people were so rich that they always had lettuces and raddishes at their table, even when they were out of season.

How to eat it

So pretty obvious how to eat this one: serve lettuce and raddish.

A quick google found me a Butter Lettuce, Radish & Avocado salad.

Or, serve a fruit or vegetable that is davka out of season at this time of the year.  If you are in the Northern Hemisphere serve fruit from the beginning of the summer, such as peaches or cherries.  If you are in the southern hemisphere serve out of season winter food such as chestnuts.

Another good option here is to serve something with apple or carrots, as they are foods that are these days easily availble all year round.

 

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