Rachel was a Jewish matriarch found in the Old Testament. She and her husband battled through an array of trials and tribulations before they were finally blessed with children. She gave birth to Joseph, of the coat of many colors, and Benjamin, both of whom became saints as well.
The story of Rachel begins when Jacob traveled to his kinsman, Laban’s, home. He fell in love with Rachel and agreed to the terms of marriage set forth by Laban. He worked for Laban for seven years in order to have permission to wed. One the night of the wedding, Jacob was deceived by Laban, instead giving him Leah, the older daughter, to marry. He then worked another seven years to be able to marry Rachel.
St Rachel’s feast day is November 1. When portrayed, she has a small child at her breast or is shown as a shepherdess.
