Whether the Birth of a Daughter Brings Increase or Strife

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 43:3

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Another interpretation: "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply." Rabbi Yochanan said: Increase has come into the world. And Resh Lakish said: Strife has come into the world. Resh Lakish said to Rabbi Yochanan: According to you, who say it means increase, why were Job's daughters not doubled [when his fortunes were restored]? He said to him: Although they were not doubled in number, they were doubled in beauty, as it is written, "And he called the name of the first Jemimah" (Job 42:14), because she resembled the day; "Keziah," because her fragrance wafted like cassia; "Keren-happuch," like fine crocus dye. The Aramaic rendering of "spikenards" is rishkin. Rabbi Shimon son of Rabbi had a daughter born to him. His father said to him, "Increase has been born to you." Bar Kappara said to him, "Your father has comforted you with empty comfort. For it was taught: the world cannot endure without males and without females; happy is he whose children are male, woe to him whose children are female."

Themes

FamilyBlessingWisdom

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