Va'eira 5773: Elisheva

The second reading of this week’s Torah portion details the heads of the paternal clans of the Levites, by their families. Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) are members of the most respected tribe, Levi, and the most respected Levite family, that of Amram. Moshe and Aharon’s lineage is a critical aspect contributing to the honor the people accord them as leaders. Therefore, Torah is explicit in naming Aharon's wife and noting her lineage: “Aharon took to himself for a wife, Elisheva, the daughter of Amminadav, the sister of Nachshon, and she bore him Nadav and Avihu, Elazar and Itamar.”  Elisheva was from the Davidic line (antecedents of King David) and her marriage to Aharon links the dynasties of kings and Kohanim (priests).

There is no other mention of Elisheva in Torah, although she must have been present at the inauguration of the Mishkan (Holy Tabernacle) related in Parashat Shemini. It is the Talmud (Zevachim 102a) that informs of her presence. “Elisheva had five reasons for joy on the day the Mishkan was inaugurated: 1. her brother-in law, Moshe, was “king”; 2. her husband, Aharon, was Kohen Gadol (High Priest); 3. her son, Elazar, was next in line for Kohen Gadol; 4. her grandson, Pinchas, was the priest anointed for war; and 5. her brother, Nachshon, was prince of the tribe of Yehudah (Judah) [and he was the first of the 12 princes to make a gift offering for the inauguration.]” In addition, Elisheva’s nephew, Betzalel, was the chief architect of the Mishkan.

Talmud goes on to reference the tragedy that occurs the same day: “At the time, she mourned the loss of her two sons [Nadav and Avihu].”  The sons’ puzzling deaths and Aharon’s stoic reaction is recounted in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra/Leviticus 10:1-3).  “…they brought before the L-rd foreign fire, which He had not commanded them. And fire went forth from before the L-rd and consumed them and they died before the L-rd…And Aharon was silent."

Vayikra Rabba 20:2 relates the same event, but from Elisheva’s perspective: “Elisheva, the daughter of Amminadav, did not enjoy happiness in this world. True, she witnessed the five crowns [attained by her male relatives] in one day…but when her sons entered to offer incense and were burnt, her joy was changed to mourning.”

Eishet Chayil (A Woman of Valor), King Solomon’s tribute to women sung by husbands to their wives on Friday evening, is said to reference twenty influential Biblical women. The following verse speaks of Elisheva: “Strength and dignity are her garments; she laughs to the last day.”  This presents a contrasting view of Elisheva. Rather than holding on to her sadness and becoming embittered, she cultivates a positive outlook. It takes tremendous strength of character to respond to tragedy in this manner; she holds her head high and does not let a negative worldview diminish her. She appreciates and focuses on the good in her life and continuously thanks G-d for the blessings He has bestowed.

Generally the name Elisheva is translated as “my G-d has sworn” since sheva means “oath”.  Sheva also is related to the Hebrew word seva, which means “satisfied” – “my G-d has satisfied [me]”.  Elisheva is satisfied with her life.

My gratitude to Vivienne Frank for her insights on Eishet Chayil.