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How was it permitted for Yaakov Avinu to kiss Rachel his first cousin, upon meeting her for the first time?
The Torah[1] relates that Yaakov Avinu hugged and kissed Rachel, his first cousin, when he first met her. The Mefarshim and Poskim deal with why he did so, and how this does not contradict the prohibition of Li Sikrav. Some Poskim[2] explain that this was the accepted form of greeting in those times, and since they were cousins it would not be viewed by anyone as an erotic act. This is similar to a doctor touching a woman for medical reasons. Others[3] say that he kissed her on her forehead, or shoulder, and not on her lips. Alternatively, she was a small girl [and not an adult].[4] Others[5] say that this was indeed a mistake on Yaakovs part and Yaakov was in truth punished for doing so. See Tanya chapter 45; Torah Or Vayeitzei and other Chassidishe Sefarim where this matter is explained according to Penimiyus Hainyanim.
[1] Bereishis 29:11
[2] Midrash Raba Vayeitzei that it was a kiss of “Kirva”; Meil Tzedaka 19; Od Yosef Chaiy Shoftim p. 151
[3] Rabbeinu Bechayeh ibid
[4] Rabbeinu Bechayeh ibid
[5] See 2nd Pirush in Midrash Raba ibid
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