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Genesis 37:34 - Father's grief for lost son

Genesis 37:34 - בראשית 37:34

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרַע יַעֲקֹב שִׂמְלֹתָיו וַיָּשֶׂם שַׂק בְּמָתְנָיו וַיִּתְאַבֵּל עַל־בְּנוֹ יָמִים רַבִּים׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Transliteration

Vayikra Yaakov simlotav vayasem sak b'motnav vayitabel al-b'no yamim rabim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרַ֤ע יַעֲקֹב֙ שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו וַיָּ֥שֶׂם שַׂ֖ק בְּמׇתְנָ֑יו וַיִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל עַל־בְּנ֖וֹ יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים׃
וַיִּקְרַ֤ע יַעֲקֹב֙ שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו וַיָּ֥שֶׂם שַׂ֖ק בְּמׇתְנָ֑יו וַיִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל עַל־בְּנ֖וֹ יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Mourning for Yosef

The verse describes Yaakov Avinu's profound grief upon hearing the false report of Yosef's death. The three actions - tearing his garments, wearing sackcloth, and prolonged mourning - reflect different dimensions of his aveilus (mourning) according to traditional Jewish sources.

Kriah (Tearing the Garments)

Rashi (Bereshis 37:34) explains that Yaakov performed kriah (tearing his garments) as an expression of mourning, establishing a precedent for Jewish mourning practices. The Talmud (Moed Katan 20b) derives from this that a mourner must tear their garment upon hearing of a relative's death.

Sackcloth on His Loins

The Midrash (Bereshis Rabbah 84:21) notes that Yaakov wore sackcloth specifically on his loins, symbolizing that his mourning affected his very strength and vitality. The Rambam (Hilchos Avel 5:1) later codifies that wearing sackcloth is part of the mourning process, though not practiced today in the same form.

Prolonged Mourning

The phrase "many days" is interpreted in various ways:

  • Rashi explains it refers to the 22 years until he was reunited with Yosef, corresponding to the 22 years Yaakov was away from his parents.
  • The Kli Yakar suggests this prolonged mourning reflected Yaakov's refusal to be comforted (as stated in the next verse), showing his exceptional love for Yosef.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 10) connects this to the concept that tzaddikim mourn intensely because they understand the gravity of death.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Avel 1:1) cites this verse as the biblical source for many mourning laws, including:

  • The obligation to mourn close relatives
  • The concept of aninut (intense mourning immediately after death)
  • The practice of kriah

However, as noted by the Kesef Mishnah, the specific practices have been modified by Chazal in the halachic system.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 25b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of mourning, illustrating the proper conduct during mourning periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov tear his clothes when he heard about Yosef?
A: Yaakov tore his clothes as a sign of deep mourning, a common Jewish practice when receiving tragic news (Rashi on Genesis 37:34). This act demonstrates the intensity of his grief over the apparent loss of his beloved son Yosef.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov wearing sackcloth?
A: Sackcloth (שק) was a coarse, uncomfortable material worn as an outward sign of mourning and repentance in Jewish tradition (Talmud Moed Katan 14b). By wearing it on his loins (waist), Yaakov showed his personal grief and identification with suffering.
Q: How long did Yaakov mourn for Yosef?
A: The verse states 'many days,' which our sages explain refers to 22 years - the same amount of time Yaakov was separated from his parents when he went to Charan (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 84:21). This shows the depth of a parent's love.
Q: Why didn't Yaakov stop mourning when the initial shock passed?
A: According to Jewish thought, Yaakov maintained hope that Yosef might still be alive (since no body was found), which prolonged his mourning (Ramban on Genesis 37:35). This teaches us about the complexity of grief when closure is incomplete.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's mourning practices today?
A: Jewish mourning customs (like kriah - tearing clothes) originate from these biblical examples. They teach us healthy ways to express grief rather than suppressing emotions (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 340). Yaakov's example shows the importance of properly mourning losses.