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Genesis 35:2 - Purify for Divine encounter

Genesis 35:2 - בראשית 35:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ וְאֶל כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עִמּוֹ הָסִרוּ אֶת־אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר אֲשֶׁר בְּתֹכְכֶם וְהִטַּהֲרוּ וְהַחֲלִיפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Then Ya῾aqov said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and make yourselves clean, and change your garments:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Ya'akov el-beito ve'el kol-asher imo hasiru et-elohi hanechar asher betochchem ve'hitaharu ve'hachlifu simloteichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל־בֵּית֔וֹ וְאֶ֖ל כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמּ֑וֹ הָסִ֜רוּ אֶת־אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּתֹכְכֶ֔ם וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּ וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל־בֵּית֔וֹ וְאֶ֖ל כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמּ֑וֹ הָסִ֜רוּ אֶת־אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּתֹכְכֶ֔ם וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּ וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 35:2) occurs after Yaakov's return to Eretz Yisrael and before his journey to Beit-El. Rashi explains that Yaakov was instructing his household to purify themselves in preparation for building an altar to Hashem. The removal of foreign gods was necessary to ensure spiritual purity before engaging in divine service.

Removal of Foreign Gods

The phrase "הָסִרוּ אֶת־אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר" ("Put away the strange gods") raises questions about the presence of idolatrous items among Yaakov's household. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:4) suggests that these idols may have come from Shechem's spoils or from Lavan's household (as hinted in Bereishit 31:19, where Rachel took her father's terafim). Ramban adds that even if they were not actively worshipped, their mere possession was spiritually detrimental.

Spiritual and Physical Purification

The command "וְהִטַּהֲרוּ" ("make yourselves clean") refers to both spiritual and physical purification. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20b) connects this to the concept of taharah, which often involves immersion in a mikveh. The Sforno explains that this purification was necessary to remove any impurity from contact with idolatry or moral transgressions.

Changing Garments

The instruction "וְהַחֲלִיפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶם" ("change your garments") carries symbolic and practical meaning. Rashi notes that garments worn in idolatrous settings were unfit for divine service. The Kli Yakar expands on this, stating that changing clothes represents a complete transformation—just as external garments are shed, so too must one shed negative spiritual influences.

Lessons for Avodat Hashem

  • Separation from Negative Influences: Yaakov's directive teaches the importance of removing all foreign elements—physical or ideological—that conflict with pure service of Hashem.
  • Holiness Requires Preparation: Just as Yaakov prepared his household before approaching Beit-El, we too must prepare ourselves spiritually before engaging in prayer or mitzvot.
  • External Actions Reflect Internal Change: The physical acts of removing idols, purifying, and changing garments symbolize an internal commitment to repentance and renewal.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 43b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the prohibition of idolatry and the requirement to remove foreign gods, illustrating the importance of purity and the rejection of idol worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'strange gods' refer to in Genesis 35:2?
A: According to Rashi, the 'strange gods' (elohai hanechar) refer to idols or foreign deities that were in the possession of Yaakov's household. This may have included items taken from Shechem (as mentioned earlier in Genesis 34:29) or idols brought by those who joined Yaakov's camp. The Torah emphasizes removing all forms of avodah zarah (foreign worship) to prepare for encountering Hashem at Beit-El.
Q: Why did Yaakov tell his family to change their garments?
A: The Ramban explains that changing garments symbolizes spiritual renewal and purification. Just as physical clothes can become soiled, the soul can become spiritually impure. By changing garments, Yaakov's household demonstrated their commitment to a fresh start in serving Hashem with purity. The Talmud (Shabbat 113a) also teaches that special garments honor significant spiritual occasions.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov's command to 'make yourselves clean'?
A: The phrase 'make yourselves clean' (vehitaharu) refers to both physical and spiritual purification. Rashi explains this included removing any ritual impurity (tumah) and repenting from wrongdoing. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:2) connects this to the concept of teshuva (repentance), showing that approaching Hashem requires both outer and inner preparation.
Q: How does Genesis 35:2 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of removing distractions and impurities before spiritual growth. Just as Yaakov prepared his family to reconnect with Hashem at Beit-El, we too must examine our lives before prayer or holidays (like Yom Kippur). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1) derives from this verse that we must completely distance ourselves from anything that could lead to idolatrous practices or beliefs.
Q: Why did Yaakov address both his household and 'all that were with him'?
A: The Torah shows that Yaakov's spiritual leadership extended beyond his immediate family. According to Sforno, this included servants, converts (like the Shechem captives), and others who joined his camp. This teaches that Jewish leaders must inspire all under their influence to grow spiritually. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) notes that one who influences others to do mitzvot shares in their reward.