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According to the Targum Yonatan (to Bamidbar 26:46), not only was Serach mentioned in the count of Yaakov’s offspring who came down to Egypt, but she also played a unique role in the family saga. Yaakov’s sons were looking for someone to break the news to him that Yosef was still alive without shocking him. They called upon Serach to do so because of her wisdom. During the census at the end of Bnei Yisrael’s stay in the desert after the Exodus, Serach’s name comes up again. The Ramban confirms that this is the same woman mentioned some 250 years earlier as one of the people who went down to Egypt.
As one who spanned vast, historical eras, during which the family-turned-nation had undergone so much, Serach was able to make further contributions. When Moshe started out on his mission to redeem Bnei Yisrael, he needed to convince the nation to trust him. Yaakov had passed a secret code to Yosef, which would be used by the redeemer. Yosef passed it on to his brothers, and Asher passed it down to Serach. Thus, when Moshe came with the message of "pakod pakadti," Serach informed the nation that he could be trusted (Shemot Rabba 5). Serach’s second contribution at that juncture had to do with a last-minute arrangement needed to facilitate the Exodus. Bnei Yisrael had sworn to Yosef that they would take his remains with them to Eretz Yisrael. As they prepared to leave, they could not locate his coffin. Moshe approached Serach, who recalled that the Egyptians had buried him in a heavy, metal coffin in the Nile. From there, Moshe was able to miraculously extricate Yosef and take him along with the nation (Michelta D’Rashbi 13).
There is a midrash which identifies Serach nearly 500 years later in another critical role. After King David had quelled the rebellion of Avshalom, Sheva ben Bichri began another one. As David’s general, Yoav, pursued him, Sheva "dug himself in" at Avel Beit Ma’acha, near the modern city of Kiryat Shemonah. Instead of waiting for Yoav to storm the city, a wise woman came forward and used negotiation to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Bereishit Rabba (94) infers from the woman’s choice of words that this was none other than (excuse the pun) good, old Serach. Chazal, in this context, apply the statement in Kohelet: "Wisdom is greater than weapons of battle" (9:18).
Serach, who by that time already was around 700 years old, personifies the concept of special people who were blessed with unusual longevity. Because of her wide-ranging contributions, including those of the period of the Exodus, she also exemplifies the concept: "In the merit of the righteous women of the generation, Bnei Yisrael were redeemed from Egypt" (Sota 11b).
Rabbis in Midrash
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
