The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, is a story about Jacob, his four wives and his offspring, as told by his only daughter, Dinah. In the book, Dinah gives a voice to her mother who didn’t really have one in the bible. Almost a behind the scenes look at an untold story. This got me thinking… what would the women in biblical days have talked about? Would the four wives of Jacob have somewhat similar conversations as I have with my mommy friends? Would they go through the same worries, concerns, frustration and love that we feel today?
First of all, I don’t even know how mom’s used to manage without Facebook…. uhhhh I mean the advances in modern medicine and technology; but, I’m assuming mothers did have similar to discussions that we have today, so here is what I imagine they would sound like:
Rachel: Can you believe Joseph? He’s acting so crazy these days. He won’t listen to a word I say. He’s constantly throwing tantrums, over such little things like “Mom there’s a snake in my bed again…. oh and my bed is still made of dirt by the way”. Also, he always wants to help feed the camels. The thing is, him helping me is really creating more work. The food ends up all over the ground which brings in the bugs. All I want is a moment of piece and quiet. I haven’t slept in days since Benjamin was born. And it’s so hot in those tents, someone should invent some sort of ‘air conditioner’ to cool everything down.
Leah: I felt the same thing when my boys were all around two years old. If I were to make up a name for it, I would call it the terrible two’s. If you think you have it bad, what about me? I have 6 boys and a girl. I haven’t slept in AGES! Wait until you train the kiddo’s to go in the hole instead of all over the place. It’s hard work training them, but the rewards are infinite. No more cleaning up their bowel movements or changing dirty towels.
Bilhah: I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m so bored out here in the dessert. It’s the same old thing everyday with our husband and children and endless chores. I just want a night away. I wonder if anything exciting is going on in Canaan. We should go there tonight even! Jacob can babysit the kids. When was the last time we had a night away, just us girls?!?! I can totally go for some wine right about now.
Leah: okay ladies, enough of this crazy talk. Whose turn is it to do the laundry? You know it’s not going to take care of itself!
Rachel: I did it last, so I don’t think I should have to do it again. Besides, I have my hands full with the two youngest. You should do it since she has the most kids. Most of the clothes belong to you.
Leah: Don’t even go there! I get no respect being a stay at home mom. Why don’t we just get someone else to do it?
Zilpah: You know we can’t afford a slave. Jacob’s already been through this with us. He’s too busy bringing home the kosher turkey bacon! There’s so many of us to feed as is… how can we afford a slave?
Bilhah: I know! Why don’t we go to the market and trade some of the stuff that we no longer need for a slave?
Rachel: You mean walk for 5km with our belongings, set up our stuff on a stone, and sell it to random strangers who are passing by? That’s just crazy! Girl, you need to come back to reality, this is 1908 BC, not 1808!
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What else do you think the women would or wouldn’t talk about???
oh Maya, you are sooo funny!!!!!!!
is that a reall book? where can i get it?