Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yehuda think Tamar was a harlot?
A: Yehuda thought Tamar was a harlot because she had covered her face (Genesis 38:15). Rashi explains that Tamar was modest and usually covered her face while living in Yehuda's household, but since she was now sitting by the roadside uncovered, Yehuda did not recognize her and assumed she was a harlot.
Q: What is the significance of Tamar covering her face?
A: Tamar covering her face shows her modesty (tzniut), a highly valued trait in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:7) highlights that righteous women like Tamar and Rebecca demonstrated modesty by covering themselves. This act also played a key role in the unfolding events leading to the lineage of King David.
Q: How does this verse teach us about judging others?
A: This verse teaches us the danger of making assumptions about others. Yehuda misjudged Tamar because he did not recognize her, leading to a mistaken conclusion. The Talmud (Shabbat 127b) emphasizes the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt (dan l’kaf zechut), which Yehuda initially failed to do here.
Q: Why is this story important in the Torah?
A: This story is important because it leads to the birth of Peretz, an ancestor of King David and ultimately the future Mashiach (Messiah). The Talmud (Sotah 10b) praises Tamar’s righteousness for her actions, which ensured the continuation of Yehuda’s lineage in accordance with the laws of yibum (levirate marriage).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Tamar's actions in this verse?
A: Tamar’s actions teach us about courage and commitment to fulfilling a higher purpose. Though her methods were unconventional, the Talmud (Sotah 10b) and Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 15:8) acknowledge that she acted righteously to uphold the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage), ensuring the continuity of Yehuda’s family line.
Understanding the Verse in Context
The verse (Bereshit 38:15) describes Yehuda's encounter with Tamar, who disguised herself as a harlot. The phrase "כי כסתה פניה" ("because she had covered her face") is central to understanding Yehuda's mistaken perception of Tamar.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Tamar covered her face because she was modest and did not want to be recognized as Yehuda's daughter-in-law. However, Yehuda misinterpreted her modesty as a sign that she was a harlot, as prostitutes in that era would often cover their faces to conceal their identities (Rashi on Bereshit 38:15). This highlights the irony of the situation—Tamar's righteousness led to her being mistaken for the opposite.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:7) elaborates that Tamar's actions were divinely orchestrated to bring forth the lineage of Malchut Beit David (the Davidic dynasty). By covering her face, she ensured that Yehuda would not recognize her, allowing the fulfillment of a greater divine plan. The Midrash emphasizes that her modesty and cunning were ultimately for a holy purpose.
Rambam's Perspective on Modesty
Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 13:11) discusses the importance of modesty in Jewish law, particularly for women. While Tamar's covering her face was an act of modesty, Yehuda's misjudgment underscores how even virtuous actions can be misinterpreted in certain contexts. This teaches the importance of discernment in judging others' intentions.
Halachic Implications
Chassidic Interpretation
The Baal HaTanya (Likutei Torah) teaches that Tamar's covering her face symbolizes the hidden divine sparks within seemingly mundane events. Her actions, though appearing improper on the surface, were part of a higher spiritual rectification (תיקון) necessary for the future redemption.