נפתלי בן יעקב

Naftali, Jacob's son, is the light and swift tribe, whose trait is the good tidings he wished to bring. Jacob blessed him 'Naftali is a hind let loose, who gives goodly words' (Genesis 49:21): light as a hind in his running, and from his mouth come good sayings, tidings of joy.

Tradition tells that the sons of Naftali were swift to run on the errand of a mitzvah. In the famous Midrash, when the tribes stood at the Cave of the Patriarchs at Jacob's burial, and Esau delayed them with a claim on the right, Naftali ran to Egypt to bring the document that proved it, so light was he in his running.

Naftali's portion was in the north, in the Galilee, a fertile and beautiful land, 'Naftali, satisfied with favor and full of God's blessing' (Deuteronomy 33:23). Deborah and Barak, who defeated Sisera, leaned on the valor of Naftali, who went down to the battlefield 'on the heights of the field.' The lightness and swiftness became also valor in time of need.

What do we learn from him? That swiftness in a good errand and 'goodly words,' good words, are a trait of holiness. Naftali teaches that one who is light to run for a mitzvah and brings good tidings in his mouth carries a blessing, and that this very lightness can turn into valor when one must go down to the battlefield for the people.