בראשית, פרק ל׳, פסוק כ״ו

After years of grueling work, the time arrives for a transition from servitude to independence. A father now seeks to lead his family on his own path, demanding both legal and moral recognition of the household he has built through immense effort. The request to be given his wives and children raises a natural question, as his family already belongs to him. The primary approach among commentators is that this is a matter of respect; rather than leaving in secret, official permission is sought to depart properly [רש"י, מזרחי, משכיל לדוד, צאינה וראינה]. However, the reality of the situation is more complex. Because the young family lacks their own property, they remain under the father-in-law's exclusive authority and depend on his table for support [רד"ק, קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Some suggest the daughters are even being held as collateral to prevent a sudden departure [ביאור יש"ר]. Another perspective views this request as an appeal for a customary dowry and the traditional gifts granted to daughters [הכתב והקבלה בשם הרא"ש].

The emphasis on the years of labor serves as a firm legal foundation for leaving. This reference to the labor is widely understood to apply specifically to the wives [אבן עזרא, חזקוני, רד"ק, ביאור יש"ר, שטיינזלץ], though it can also encompass the children, as establishing a family was the ultimate purpose of the work [הכתב והקבלה בשם רלב"ג]. This distinction is legally significant: if the daughters had been given freely, conditions could have been imposed preventing them from being taken to another land. Because their freedom was purchased through years of hard labor, there is an absolute right to relocate them anywhere [מלבי"ם, רד"ק, ביאור יש"ר]. Highlighting this labor also carries a personal message. It serves as a reminder that an equal amount of work was dedicated to both daughters, easing any fears that the older sister might be mistreated due to the initial deception surrounding her marriage [אלשיך]. Dedicating fourteen years of intense labor without any material compensation, solely for the right to build a family, powerfully demonstrates the high status of women and the profound sanctity of the family unit [רש"ר הירש].

The appeal concludes with a reminder of the faithful, exhausting service rendered day and night [שטיינזלץ, מלבי"ם, בכור שור, ביאור יש"ר]. Because every obligation has been fulfilled with complete dedication, there is no justification for further delays or claims of broken agreements. After enduring past deceptions, a firm demand is made for absolute transparency and fairness. Just as the labor was performed wholeheartedly, the expectation is that the family will be released honestly, granting them what they rightfully deserve without any further manipulation [הכתב והקבלה, רש"ר הירש].