Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrzeit – a segula for having children
11 Cheshvan – Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrzeit – a segula for having children.
If we count from the first day of the year (1 Tishrei), then the 11th of Cheshvan is the 41st day.
And 41 is the gematria of the word אם – “mother.” Thus, Chazal concluded that this day – the 11th of Cheshvan – is the day of the Jewish mother.
It is stated in Bereishit Rabbah (73:1):
– “Vayizkor Elokim et Rachel vayishma eileha Elokim vayiftach et rachmah” – (And G-d remembered Rachel, and G-d heard her and opened her womb). (Bereishit 30:22)
This verse contains 10 words and 40 letters. Ten signifies completion and creation, and also symbolizes the Ten Sefirot. Forty represents the energy of rachamim. The final word – rachmah – is related to the word rechem (womb). Therefore, the Name Elokim is repeated twice in this verse – a hint that she would have two righteous sons, Yosef and Binyamin.
Rabbi Elazar said: On Rosh Hashanah, Sarah, Rachel, and Chanah were remembered for blessing (nifkedu).
The segula is to recite this pasuk from the Torah:
“Vayizkor Elokim et-Rachel vayishma eileha Elokim vayiftach et-rachmah. Vatahar vateled ben vatomer asaf Elokim et-cherpati. Vatikra et-shemo Yosef lemor Yosef Ha-Shem li ben acher” –
(And Elokim remembered Rachel, and Elokim heard her, and He opened her womb. She conceived and gave birth to a son, and said: “Elokim has taken away my disgrace.” And she named him Yosef, saying: “May G-d grant me another son.” (Bereishit, Vayeitzei 30:22)
(Yura Plishtiev of the Kisei Rachamim Yeshiva for Silatehilim)
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