Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Judah go up to his sheep shearers after his wife died?
A: According to Rashi, Judah went to his sheep shearers to oversee the shearing process, which was a time of celebration and feasting. This indicates that he had completed the mourning period for his wife (as it says 'when Judah was comforted') and was returning to his regular activities. The Torah teaches us about the natural process of mourning and eventual return to daily life.
Q: Who was Hira the Adullamite mentioned in this verse?
A: Hira the Adullamite was Judah's close friend and business partner, as seen throughout the story in Genesis 38. The Midrash notes that he was from Adullam, a Canaanite city, showing how Judah had integrated somewhat into Canaanite society after leaving his brothers. This friendship plays a role in the subsequent events with Tamar.
Q: What is the significance of Timna in this verse?
A: Timna was the location where Judah's sheep shearers worked. According to Ramban, this place later became significant in Jewish history as the area where Samson would find his Philistine wife (Judges 14:1). The Torah mentions specific locations to show how events are interconnected in Jewish history.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Judah was 'comforted' after his wife's death?
A: The Torah teaches us about the Jewish approach to mourning. As explained in Talmud (Moed Katan), there is an appropriate time for mourning and then a time to be comforted and return to normal life. The verse shows that Judah properly observed the mourning period before resuming his activities, setting an example for proper conduct after loss.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
A: We learn several lessons: 1) The importance of proper mourning (as Judah waited until he was comforted), 2) The value of returning to productive work after mourning, and 3) How G-d orchestrates events (as this journey leads to the continuation of Judah's lineage). The Sages teach that all of Judah's actions in this story ultimately lead to the birth of Peretz, ancestor of King David.
The Passing of Bat-Shua
The verse states, "And in process of time the daughter of Shu῾a, Yehuda’s wife, died." Rashi explains that "Bat-Shua" (daughter of Shua) refers to Yehuda’s wife, who was the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua (Bereishit 38:2). Her death marks a significant turning point in Yehuda’s life, as it follows the deaths of his two sons, Er and Onan, and precedes his encounter with Tamar.
Yehuda’s Consolation and Journey to Timna
The verse continues, "And when Yehuda was comforted, he went up to his sheep shearers to Timna." The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:4) notes that the term "וַיִּנָּחֶם" (was comforted) implies that Yehuda had completed the mourning period for his wife. Ramban adds that this journey was not merely for business but also to distance himself from the painful memories associated with his family’s tragedies.
The Role of Chirah the Adullamite
The verse mentions that Yehuda was accompanied by "Chirah his friend, the Adullamite." Rashi explains that Chirah was a close confidant of Yehuda, as seen earlier in the narrative (Bereishit 38:1). The Talmud (Moed Katan 25b) teaches that true friendship is demonstrated in times of mourning, and Chirah’s presence underscores his loyalty to Yehuda during this difficult period.
Timna as a Location of Significance
The destination, Timna, is later associated with the descendants of Esav (Bereishit 36:12), suggesting a connection to Yehuda’s future interactions with Tamar, who was of Canaanite descent. The Sforno comments that Yehuda’s journey to Timna was divinely orchestrated to set the stage for the continuation of his lineage through Tamar, ultimately leading to the birth of Peretz, an ancestor of David HaMelech.