Parshat Vayechi: Quick Decisions
by Rabbi Lobel

Jacob shared a different tent with each of his wives but his primary tent was with Rachel. After Rachel’s death, Jacob moved his primary residence to Bilhah, his concubine and Rachel’s former maidservant. Reuben, defending his mother’s honor, moved Jacob’s bed to Leah’s tent. The Torah considered this so egregious that, even though Reuben had not sinned, it compared his actions to lying with his father’s wife. (Talmud: Shabbat 55b; 200 CE – 500 CE)

Reuben later atoned for his actions (Bereishis Rabba 84:19) but Jacob, sitting on his death bed and giving his last words, still reprimanded his eldest son. “Reuben, my firstborn, my might...you were fit for greatness and strength; like water you acted with haste and confusion.” (Genesis 49:4 based on Rashi's interpertation)

All of Reuben’s firstborn rights were stripped from him. His double portion went to Joseph (whose two sons each became a distinct tribe). Levi inherited the priesthood and Judah acquired the kingship.

Reuben acted with haste to defend his mother’s honor. His intentions were praiseworthy. Yet, he lost all the privileges of being a firstborn.

The first Mishna in Ethics of our Fathers (Pirkei Avot 1:1; 70 CE – 200 CE) say's “be slow to judgment.” Maimonides (1135 – 1204) explains that even when a person has all the facts before him, patience is often still necessary because time alone may bring new understandings. The Rabeinu Yona (13th Century) goes a step further calling hasty judgment negligence.

Nahmanides (Genesis 49:4; 1194 – 1270) explains that Reuben acted like those who only have superficial understanding. It was Reuben’s haste that caused him to err.

Conventional wisdom tells us “he who hesitates is lost.” Not so, says the Torah. Look before you leap. Consider the ramifications. Take some time before making a decision. “Haste makes waste” could be a terrible understatement.