Day of Hilula
Rachel Imenu
י״א בחשוון
On the road to Bethlehem (Ephrath)
In Jewish tradition, the day of a tzadik's passing — the 'Hilula' — is not a day of mourning, but a day of spiritual elevation and awakening. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, on this day the soul of the tzadik ascends to a higher realm, and their light and merits shine upon the world. Many Jews mark the day through Torah study, reciting Tehillim, lighting a memorial candle, and good deeds for the elevation of the soul — to connect with the tzadik's path and qualities.
His Life and Legacy
Rachel is a central biblical figure appearing in the Book of Genesis, the most beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. In Jewish tradition she is one of the four matriarchs of the people of Israel and is called Rachel Imenu, Rachel our mother. She was born to Laban the Aramean in Haran and was the sister of Leah; according to some midrashim the two were twins. Scripture descri…
"Give me children, or else I die (Genesis 30:1)"