One of the most captivating characters in the Bible is Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute living in the city of Jericho. Yet despite her profession and religious background, Rahab played a pivotal role in helping the Israelites conquer Canaan after their Exodus from Egypt. Her tale conveys powerful messages about the value of faith and the possibility of redemption that have become integral themes across several Jewish holidays.
Sheltering the Spies
As the Israelites approached Jericho, Rahab sheltered two Israelite spies who came to scout the city. She hid them on her roof and misdirected the king's messengers who came searching for them. Rahab stated her faith in the Israelite God who “is God in heaven above and on the earth below” and extracted an oath from the spies that they would spare her and her family once they attacked Jericho. The Israelites honored this oath during the battle and Rahab and her family were incorporated into the Israelite camp.
Seeking Atonement on High Holidays
The story of Rahab’s redemption and assimilation is commemorated during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Her transformation from a marginalized foreigner to a virtuous woman mirrors the possibility of atonement and forgiveness that lies at the heart of the High Holidays. Just as God gave Rahab a second chance, so too do all sincere penitents have the possibility of being written into the Book of Life during the Days of Awe.
Miracles on Chanukah
Rahab’s rescue is also remembered on Chanukah as her house was spared in Jericho just as the Maccabees experienced divine salvation during their revolt. The candles lit on Chanukah pay tribute to improbable saves and unexpected victories, of which Rahab is a Biblical example. Her profession of faith in the Israelite god despite being a Gentile also aligns with Chanukah’s themes of maintaining religious freedom against all odds.
Hospitality on Sukkot and Purim
Moreover, Rahab's tale emphasizes the need for ‘hachnasat orchim’ – welcoming guests – which is a centerpiece of Purim and Sukkot celebrations. By letting the spies into her home and securing their escape, she fulfilled Abraham’s legacy of extending hospitality to strangers in the wilderness. During Sukkot, inviting ushpizin – symbolic exalted guests – into the sukkah hut commemorates Rahab’s courage in shielding the spies.
Cautions on Tisha B’Av
Finally, Rahab’s story is a sobering reminder during Tisha B’Av that Jewish security in Israel depended on solidarity and dignity for outsiders and minorities. After the decisive Battle of Jericho, Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would dare rebuild the city. Yet that did not stop King Ahab of Israel from resettling Jericho centuries later, during which he sacrificed two of his sons to fortify the city's foundation. His lack of regard for the city’s cursed history led to turmoil for his dynasty. The mournful tone of Tisha B’Av would do well to reinforce Rahab’s legacy of welcoming the immigrant into Jewish national life.
Across Jewish tradition, Rahab's bravery has kindled lighter moments during festivals as well as somber reflections in times of crisis. Her narrative weaves a common thread about the inevitability of redemption for those who demonstrate compassion, hospitality and faith.
For millennia, the erstwhile prostitute from Jericho has been hailed as a model of personal reformation and spiritual realignment - no matter how marginalized one's background may be. Rahab gives all of us hope that with an open heart and mind, it is never too late to chart a new path by following God’s light.
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day!
See you in the next message,
Tohar Liani