Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the sons of Gomer mentioned in Genesis 10:3?
A: The sons of Gomer—Ashkenaz, Rifat, and Togarma—are descendants of Noah through his son Yefet (Japheth). According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, these names represent nations or regions that emerged from Gomer. Ashkenaz is traditionally associated with parts of Europe (later linked to Ashkenazi Jews), Rifat with areas near the Black Sea, and Togarma with regions in Asia Minor (possibly connected to Turkey).
Q: Why is Togarma significant in Jewish tradition?
A: Togarma is significant because, according to the Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni) and later Jewish sources, some Jewish communities trace their lineage to Togarma. The medieval Jewish commentator Ramban (Nachmanides) also connects Togarma to certain Turkic peoples. Additionally, some identify Togarma with nations mentioned in prophecies (e.g., Ezekiel 38:6), linking them to future events in Jewish eschatology.
Q: What is the importance of listing these names in the Torah?
A: Listing these names in the Torah (Genesis 10) establishes the origins of the nations descended from Noah after the Flood. Jewish tradition teaches that understanding these genealogies helps us recognize the diversity of humanity while affirming a shared ancestry. The Talmud (Yoma 10a) also discusses these nations in the context of historical and geographical knowledge, showing how they fit into the world's early divisions.
Q: How does Ashkenaz relate to Ashkenazi Jews today?
A: Ashkenaz, one of Gomer's sons, is traditionally linked to the ancestors of Ashkenazi Jews. Medieval Jewish sources (such as the writings of Rashi and the Sefer Yuchasin) identify Ashkenaz with Germanic and Eastern European regions, where Jewish communities later flourished. The term 'Ashkenazi' refers to Jews who settled in these areas and developed distinct customs, as opposed to Sephardic or other Jewish groups.
Overview of the Verse
The verse וּבְנֵי גֹּמֶר אַשְׁכֲּנַז וְרִיפַת וְתֹגַרְמָה׃ (Bereishit 10:3) lists the descendants of Gomer, who was a son of Yefet (Japheth) and a grandson of Noach (Noah). This verse is part of the "Table of Nations," which details the genealogies of the nations that emerged after the Flood. The names Ashkenaz, Rifat, and Togarma are significant in Jewish tradition, as they are linked to various historical and geographical identifications.
Commentary from Rashi
Rashi explains that Gomer refers to the people known as the Galli (Gauls) or Germamia (Germans). His son Ashkenaz is identified with the Germanic regions, which is why Jews from Central and Eastern Europe are called "Ashkenazim." Rashi further notes that Togarma is associated with the Turks, based on later historical identifications.
Midrashic Interpretations
The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishit 10:3) elaborates on the descendants of Togarma, stating that they settled in various regions, including Armenia and parts of Asia Minor. Some later Jewish sources, such as the medieval commentator Radak (Rabbi David Kimchi), connect Togarma with the Turkic peoples, reinforcing the idea that these names represent nations known in later history.
Historical and Geographical Context
Halachic and Cultural Significance
Rabbi Yosef Karo, in the Shulchan Aruch, references the term "Ashkenaz" when discussing customs specific to Ashkenazi Jews (e.g., Orach Chaim 68:1). This demonstrates how these ancient genealogical names became embedded in Jewish communal identity and practice.
Rambam's Perspective
While Rambam (Maimonides) does not directly comment on this verse, his historical works acknowledge the diversity of Jewish communities, including those from Ashkenaz and Sepharad (linked to Yefet's other descendants). This reflects the Torah's broader theme of humanity's dispersion and the formation of distinct nations.