Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Er in the Bible?
A: Er is the firstborn son of Judah and his wife, the daughter of Shua (Genesis 38:3). According to Rashi, his name 'Er' comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'awake' or 'arouse,' possibly indicating that Judah had high hopes for him. Tragically, Er was wicked in Hashem's eyes and died young (Genesis 38:7).
Q: Why did Judah name his son Er?
A: The Torah states simply that Judah named his son Er (Genesis 38:3). While the exact reason isn't given, names in the Torah often reflect circumstances or hopes. Rashi suggests the name implies being 'awake' or 'alert,' possibly indicating Judah's expectations for his firstborn. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:4) connects it to the future awakening of the Davidic dynasty from Judah's lineage.
Q: What is the significance of Genesis 38:3 in the Torah?
A: Genesis 38:3 introduces Judah's firstborn son Er, beginning a story with profound consequences. Though Er dies childless (Genesis 38:7), this leads to the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage) with Tamar, resulting in Peretz - ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:18-22). The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 1:7) notes this shows how Hashem's plan unfolds even through difficult events.
Q: How does the story of Er apply to us today?
A: The brief mention of Er teaches that: 1) Parents' hopes for children don't always materialize (Rashi on Genesis 38:7 notes Er was wicked), 2) Our actions have consequences beyond our lifetime (through Tamar and Peretz), and 3) Hashem's plan continues even through tragedy - leading ultimately to Mashiach from David's line (Sanhedrin 98a).
Q: Why does the Torah mention Er if he died young?
A: Though Er's life was short, his story is crucial for: 1) Introducing the concept of yibum (levirate marriage) when his brother Onan refuses to continue his line (Devarim 25:5-6), 2) Showing Tamar's righteousness in seeking to continue Judah's lineage, and 3) Beginning the chain leading to King David (Megillah 14a notes Tamar's actions preserved the Messianic line).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 38:3) describes Yehudah's wife conceiving and giving birth to a son, whom Yehudah names "Er" (עֵר). This event occurs within the broader narrative of Yehudah's separation from his brothers and his marriage to the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua.
Meaning of the Name "Er"
Rashi explains that the name "Er" (עֵר) is derived from the Hebrew root ע-ו-ר, meaning "to awaken" or "to stir up." He suggests that Yehudah named his son with the hope that he would "awaken" to righteousness and fulfill his potential in serving Hashem. Alternatively, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:4) connects the name to the word "ערירי" (childless), foreshadowing Er's tragic fate of dying without children.
Yehudah's Role in Naming
The verse states, "he called his name Er," implying that Yehudah alone named the child. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) notes that this contrasts with earlier instances in the Torah where both parents participated in naming a child (e.g., Adam and Chava naming their sons). This may hint at a lack of harmony between Yehudah and his wife, or Yehudah's dominant role in the family.
Spiritual Implications
The Ramban comments that Yehudah's choice to marry a Canaanite woman and the subsequent birth of Er marked a spiritual decline for Yehudah, as he distanced himself from the ways of his forefathers. The name "Er" may thus reflect Yehudah's hope for his son to rise above these challenges and return to the path of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Foreshadowing Er's Fate
Later verses reveal that Er was "wicked in the sight of Hashem" (Genesis 38:7) and died childless. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:4) suggests that Er's name alludes to his eventual fate, as he was "awakened" (i.e., taken) from this world prematurely due to his sins. This serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of straying from righteousness.
Lessons from the Verse