The Unusual Gang of Suspects

 

Our Sages and traditional commentators were generous in assigning blame for the rape of Jacob’s daughter Dina.

Midrash Aggada states “Dina went out only to show herself and her beauty, and (thereby) brought sin upon herself and Shechem, son of Ḥamor desired her.” That is, Dina herself shares at least part of the blame.

The version presented in Midrash Sechel Tov is much sharper: “Dina decked herself out licentiously and as a prostitute (sic!).” However, part of the blame is apportioned to her mother Leah, “who did not restrain Dina,” and therefore, (Dina’s) fault is hung upon her mother.”

Midrash Tanḥuma [vaYishlaḥ, 19] adds Jacob to the list of culprits:

When our father Jacob and his sons approached (towards Esau), Dina too was with him, when his messengers returned and informed Jacob that they had come to his brother Esau [Genesis 32:7], Jacob hid Dina in a trunk, so Esau would not see her and take her as a wife. The Holy One, blessed be He said: “You withheld her from Esau, by your life, she is destined for an uncircumcised man.” This is what is written “A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends.” [Job 6:14] Had Dina married Esau, she may have converted him, (since Jacob did not allow this) “Shechem son of Ḥamor saw her, etc.”

            In addition to Dina and her parents, a portion of blame can be assigned to her brothers, in accordance with Netziv’s enlightening comment. Jacob’s sons had two reactions to the news of their sister’s rape: “they were saddened and very angry.” [Genesis 34:7] Netziv explains that the first reaction was directed inwardly, the brothers felt guilt, for even in a totally lecherous place, where rapists are common, no one would dare attack a princess, out of awe of the monarch and fear of punishment. While Shechem need not fear punishment at the hands of Jacob, he should have felt awe because of Jacob’s lofty and sanctified level. Since this was not the case, Jacob’s sons felt that they deserved a share of the blame for their sister’s rape, since they failed to fulfill the words of the Torah: “And all the earth’s peoples will see that you are called by the Lord’s name, and they will be in awe of you.” [Deuteronomy 28:10] Dina’s brothers understood that they had failed to convey the nobility of their father’s family, and thereby created a situation which allowed their sister to be defiled,

            Thus, the list of those culpable in Dina’s rape includes her entire family: Dina herself, her parents and her brothers!

            There are two practical lessons to be derived from the list of culprits:

            1] Everyone bears responsibility for his/her actions and inactions;

            2] At times of distress, the first reaction should be introspection and an assessment of one’s personal responsibility for the events surrounding him.