Genesis 33:17: “Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.”
After his friendly meeting with his brother Esau, Jacob felt that a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. They broke camp and followed the Wadi Farah, heading further and further west. Memories of his grandfather went through Jacob’s mind. In his own words Abraham had described his adventures to his grandchildren. God had called him to leave his home country. He had believed the Lord and departed from Ur of the Chaldeans, initially without knowing the destination of his trip. According to his report, Abraham had entered the Promised Land via the same route Jacob had chosen. It was a God-moment. Spontaneously, Jacob halted his camel, turned around to face his tribe and said: “God has sheltered us in the wilderness and has brought us thus far. We owe Him our lives. Praise be to Him! Let’s stay here and celebrate our arrival in Canaan!” And his family cheered: “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!”
At a close distance to the Jordan, the Wadi still contained plenty of water. It was the perfect place for a prolonged stay. Together with his men Jacob built temporary shelters for his livestock. He also constructed a little hut for himself and called the campsite “Sukkoth”, which means “Shelters”.
In her second trimester, Rachel’s pregnancy began to show. She had become tired of traveling. In her condition, she could only ride with difficulty and often chose to walk instead. Her feet and ankles were swollen at the end of each day. “Do you think this place is going to be our new home?” she asked Leah. Her sister shrugged her shoulders, saying: “I’m not sure, but probably not. I think we are going to stay here only for a little while.”
Rachel chewed her lower lip whenever she was deep in thought. After some deliberation she concluded: “Nah, this camp is only temporary. If our husband had decided to stay for good, he would have told us by now.” She sighed: “I need to let him know that I am expecting.” Jacob had been preoccupied, but this would change, or so she hoped, since Esau was no longer a threat to them. Leah looked at her sister tenderly and said, “You need to rest. Take it easy while we are here – promise me!” Rachel nodded: “Will do – after I’ve spoken with him.”
At first, Jacob was elated to learn about Rachel’s pregnancy, but then his face took on a worried look and he said: “I am sorry that I had to put you through all of this. I would love for us to stay here but unfortunately it’s not safe. The Wadi floods the area during raining season. Tell you what: Further west, near Shechem, I will look for a parcel of land to buy. Time for us to settle down!” Taking her into his arms he encouraged her: “Hold on, my love! We’re almost home!”
It was early morning at the campsite Sukkoth. The sun had risen when Dinah barged unannounced into her mother’s tent. Leah had been fast asleep, but woke up terrified when her daughter stood over her weeping. “I’m bleeding, Mom!” Once Leah was fully awake she realized what was happening. She took her daughter into her arms and consoled her. “Something wonderful has happened, sweetheart”, she whispered into Dinah’s ear. “Overnight you have moved into womanhood.” She kissed her tears away and continued: “We will celebrate today – a ceremony down at the Wadi. Would you like your Aunt Rachel to come join us?” Dinah was very fond of her aunt and nodded “yes”.
Down by the stream, Dinah didn’t know what to expect. Under her mother’s guidance she slipped out of her sandals and stood barefoot in the shallow water. Her aunt Rachel gazed at her misty-eyed, saying: “I remember the day when you were born like it was yesterday. And here you are eleven years later, entering womanhood!” Dinah smiled at her aunt. “Shall we begin?” her mother said and so the ceremony began.
Leah dipped her finger in a small jar of olive oil and dabbed it on Dinah’s forehead. “Welcome, Dinah”, she said, “to the beginning of being a woman.” Dinah looked beautiful. The ceremony was a bonding moment, a much-needed reprieve from the daily grind of transit. Soon they would break camp and they’d be on the road again, on their way to Shechem.