Monday, 3 September 2012

Brochas: Daf Lamed Aleph amud beis


R. Elazar said in the name of R. Yose ben Zimra: (Chana) said before Him.  Master of the Universe, of all that you created in a woman, you did not create a single thing without purpose. ... Breasts with which to nurse. These breasts which you have placed upon my heart, what are they for? Are they not to nurse with? Grant me a son that I may nurse with them.

Having brought her question based on her breasts, why did Chana ask for a son, rather than a daughter and why is it relevant that the breasts are placed on her heart?

The Ben Yehoyada answers both questions by pointing out that the heart is "makom bina," the place of understanding. He therefore feels that the language of Chana's question already hints to her need for a son. "Bina" is a characteristic which is crucial for one who has an obligation to delve into the study of Torah, namely a male.  

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