ADDENDUM: The Virgin Rivka - an Explanation of the Wild Drash

If you read my most recent Friday, entitled "The Virgin Rivka," then you're probably craving an explanation of that midrash. As promised, here's the approach developed by Rabbi Zimmer and Rabbi Feder.

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Artwork: this was my (hilarious) first attempt at using Adobe Firefly 2.0 to generate an image of Rivkah falling off her camel in anguish. It turned out to be a LITTLE too dramatic for me to use in the original post, but I HAD to share it for the addendum

ADDENDUM: The Virgin Rivka - an Explanation of the Wild Drash

My article this past Friday concluded with my contender for “the wildest midrash of the year.” I promised my paid subscribers an explanation of that midrash - or at least, a solid approach - from my two friends, Rabbi Zimmer and Rabbi Feder. First, here’s a recap of the version of the midrash synthesized from the only three sources I know of which bring it down: the Yalkut Shimoni (Bereishis 24:63), Hadar Zekeinim (ibid.), and the drashos of R’ Yehoshua Ibn Shuib (Chayei Sarah):

“Yitzchak went out” (Bereishis 24:63) – from where did he go out? From Gan Eden. Rivkah lifted her eyes heavenward and saw through prophecy that Eisav would one day descend from her. She shuddered and fell to the ground – as it is written: “she fell from upon the camel” –  and punctured her hymen on a branch; her virginal blood spilled to the earth, and the birds [alternatively: a deer] came and covered her blood. [alternatively: Ha’Kadosh Baruch Hu said to Gavriel, “Go down and guard the blood so that it doesn’t spoil and so that there should be no blemish in it.”]

When Yitzchak had relations with her and didn’t find evidence of her virginity, he got angry at her. She told him the whole incident, but he didn’t believe her. Instead, he said that Eliezer molested her. Eliezer swore that he didn’t even touch her little finger. Yitzchak said to him, “May you go to Gan Eden if you didn’t touch her!” Eliezer replied, “My lord, it shall be true! I swear by the God of Israel that I am innocent! Come with me and I’ll show you the place where she fell.” They went there together and found the branch surrounded by blood that was covered. Thus, birds [alternatively: wild animals] merited kisui ha’dam (the mitzvah to cover the blood of birds and wild animals after slaughtering them). Immediately, Yitzchak knew that she was pure and Eliezer was completely righteous.

Ha’Kadosh Baruch Hu told the ministering angels to bring Eliezer into Gan Eden. He, Eliezer son of Nimrod, became one of the tzadikim who entered Gan Eden alive. This is what R’ Yossi meant when he said, “May my portion be among those who are suspected [of wrongdoing] but without [any wrongdoing]” (Shabbos 118b).

To my paid subscribers: please enjoy this voice message that Rabbi Zimmer sent me on WhatsApp in response to my inquiry plea for help. Note that this was a personal message he recorded somewhat off-the-cuff (which, to me makes it even more impressive!) and didn’t intend for public consumption (though he granted me permission to share it here). If he or I were to give a full shiur on this midrash, I’m sure we’d spell things out in a fuller manner and provide sources for everything. Perhaps, one day, one of us will. For now, enjoy this brilliant midrashic analysis from Rabbi Zimmer and Rabbi Feder.