This week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, highlights the power of tefillah—prayer—and how its effectiveness is proportionate to the depth of emotion we bring to it. Hashem doesn’t want only our words or intellect; He desires our hearts, souls, and entire being in our connection with Him. This idea comes to life in the contrasting stories of Leah and Rachel.

Leah’s Overwhelming Gratitude

When Leah gives birth to her fourth son, she names him Yehuda, saying, “HaPa’am odeh et Hashem”—“This time, I will thank Hashem” (Bereishit 29:35). The Gemara in Brachot (7b) says that Leah was the first person to ever thank Hashem.

Could it be? What about Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, who surely expressed gratitude to Hashem?

Leah’s gratitude was unique. She understood that she had received more than her fair share. According to Rashi, she knew prophetically that there would be 12 sons born to Yaakov, and these sons would be divided among his four wives. Leah expected to have three sons—an equal share. When she gave birth to a fourth, she realized that she had received more than expected. Her gratitude wasn’t routine; it was an outpouring of emotion, born from a profound recognition of Hashem’s kindness.

This teaches us an essential lesson: there is no comparison between a thank-you for something we feel entitled to and a thank-you for something we never dreamed of receiving. Leah’s tefillah was so heartfelt that it became the source of the name “Yehuda,” the very identity of the Jewish people (Yehudim), forever linked to the concept of gratitude.

Rachel’s Faithful Prayer

Rachel’s story offers a different perspective on tefillah. For many years, she was barren and watched as her sister Leah gave birth to son after son. Rachel longed to fulfill her role as one of the mothers of Bnei Yisrael. Finally, after years of waiting, Hashem answered her prayers, and she gave birth to Yosef.

In her joy, Rachel named him Yosef and said, “Yosef Hashem li ben acher”—“May Hashem add for me another son” (Bereishit 30:24). At first glance, this may seem puzzling. Wasn’t she grateful for Yosef? Why would her immediate response include a request for another child?

Far from being ungrateful, Rachel’s tefillah reflected her deep faith in Hashem’s infinite abilities. The Midrash explains that Rachel was not doubting the gift she had received. Instead, she was acknowledging that Hashem’s kindness is endless. When Hashem gives us something, it is not a one-time act but part of His infinite ability to continue providing. Rachel was teaching us to see every blessing as a reminder of Hashem’s capacity to do more and to never hesitate to ask for it.

The Common Thread: Emotion and Connection

Leah and Rachel expressed their tefillot in different ways—Leah through overwhelming gratitude and Rachel through a faithful request. Yet, both were deeply emotional and came from the heart. Leah’s gratitude for an unexpected blessing was filled with joy, while Rachel’s request demonstrated her unwavering belief in Hashem’s ability to give abundantly.

This teaches us an essential principle: Tefillah is not just about words or intellectual acknowledgment. It is about involving our entire being—our hearts, emotions, and faith. Hashem doesn’t just want us to recite prayers; He wants us to connect with Him on the deepest level.

The Rambam emphasizes this in Hilchot Tefillah, where he writes that kavana—intent and focus—is essential for tefillah. Without it, the words remain hollow. Similarly, the Nefesh HaChaim explains that the power of tefillah lies in its ability to bind us to Hashem, which happens only when we pray with our full heart and soul.

A Practical Takeaway

In our own lives, tefillah often risks becoming routine. We may go through the motions, reciting the words but not fully engaging. This week’s parsha challenges us to put more of ourselves into our prayers.

When we express gratitude to Hashem, let’s take a moment to reflect on the gifts we’ve received, especially those we may not have expected or feel undeserving of. And when we ask for something, let’s remember that Hashem’s ability to provide is infinite. Let’s ask with faith, trust, and emotion, knowing that Hashem loves when we turn to Him wholeheartedly.

This week, let’s strive to make our tefillot more personal, heartfelt, and filled with gratitude and connection. Because when we bring our whole selves into prayer, we build a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Hashem.

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