Parashat Vayishlach tells of Yaakov’s return to Beit-El, the site where he had beheld the famous prophetic vision of the ladder as he escaped from Eretz Yisrael. Now, upon Yaakov’s return to the land, he goes to Beit-El with his family and constructs an altar to God, whereupon he receives a prophecy in which God blesses him and reiterates his name’s change to “Yisrael” (chapter 35).
Curiously, the Torah interrupts this narrative to report the death of a figure to whom we had not previously been introduced: “Devora, Rivka’s nursemaid, died, and was buried below Beit-El, underneath the oak, and he [Yaakov] called its name, ‘Oak of Weeping’” (35:8). Why did the Torah find it necessary to relate the death of Rivka’s nurse?
Shadal comments, “The purpose of this story is to teach us proper etiquette [mida tova] to honor the nursemaid who exerts effort in raising the suckling infant – even after he has been raised, especially this one, who left her land and father’s home to go with Rivka.” According to Shadal, the Torah seeks to teach a basic lesson in respect and gratitude, to show appreciation for all those who give quality, devoted service. Yaakov took the time to bury and give respect to Devora because he felt grateful for the care she gave his mother many years earlier. Teaching this basic measure of decency and manners, which unfortunately is so often neglected, warranted adding this verse in the Torah to report Devora’s death and burial.
It is also worth emphasizing that this incident transpired at Beit-El, immediately after Yaakov’s building of an altar at the site, and just prior to the prophecy he received. Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch briefly notes a number of parallels between Yaakov’s pilgrimage to Beit-El and the Revelation at Sinai, and concludes that the events in Beit-El in fact served for Yaakov and his family as a kind of Ma’amad Har Sinai. Significantly, it is during this event that Yaakov must take the time to give honor and respect to Devora. This verse might underscore the importance of not losing sight of one’s basic moral duties amidst his involvement in lofty, spiritual pursuits. Even during his personal “Ma’amad Har Sinai,” Yaakov did not neglect his mother’s loyal nurse, and he afforded her the respect she deserved. He understood that spiritual experiences such as the events at Beit-El must enhance a person’s commitment to proper ethical conduct, not lead him to neglect it.
Even – and perhaps especially – while serving God at Beit-El, Yaakov ensured to fulfill his basic moral obligation of gratitude to Devora, and for this very reason, perhaps, the Torah found this episode worthy of mention.