Vayishlach: Chapter 19

"And it came to pass, as her soul was departing"

Synopsis

Although the soul may depart the body and return during one's lifetime, Rachel's soul did not return and she died. Before she died, she named her last-born child Ben-oni, because of the severe Judgment against her. Jacob then renamed his youngest son Benjamin, in order to bind him to the right side, just as he attached Rachel to Mercy.

Relevance

This section helps deepen our understanding of the importance of names, and of their influence on our destiny through the attraction or deflection of the Light. We achieve a greater connection to our own name and the particular influences that it radiates.