Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yehuda take a wife for his son Er?
A: In Jewish tradition, it was the father's responsibility to arrange a proper marriage for his children. Yehuda, as the leader of his family, took this responsibility seriously. The Talmud (Kiddushin 41a) discusses the importance of parents helping their children find suitable spouses.
Q: Who was Tamar in the Torah?
A: Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Yehuda who later played a significant role in continuing the lineage of Yehuda. According to Rashi (Genesis 38:6), she came from a distinguished family, being the daughter of Shem (the son of Noach), showing that Yehuda sought a wife of good lineage for his son.
Q: What is the significance of this verse in the larger story?
A: This verse introduces the story of Yehuda and Tamar, which ultimately leads to the birth of Peretz, an ancestor of King David (and ultimately Mashiach). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:1) emphasizes how this seemingly simple act of arranging a marriage had profound historical consequences.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Er was Yehuda's firstborn?
A: The Torah emphasizes this detail because, as Rashi explains (Genesis 38:7), the firstborn had special status and responsibilities. This makes the subsequent events (Er's death and the levirate marriage issues) more significant in terms of family continuity and inheritance.
Q: What can we learn from Yehuda's action of arranging his son's marriage?
A: We learn the importance of parents being involved in their children's marriages, ensuring proper matches according to Torah values. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 3:19) discusses the importance of careful spouse selection. Additionally, the story teaches that even difficult situations (like what follows) are part of Hashem's plan for Jewish history.
The Marriage of Yehuda's Firstborn
The verse states: "And Yehuda took a wife for ῾Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar" (Bereishit 38:6). This event occurs after Yehuda separates from his brothers and establishes his own household. Rashi explains that Yehuda acted properly by arranging a marriage for his eldest son, fulfilling the mitzvah of peru urevu (be fruitful and multiply). The choice of Tamar as a wife is significant, as her lineage is later revealed to be noble—she descends from Shem (Bereishit Rabbah 85:10).
Tamar's Righteousness
Midrashic sources emphasize Tamar's righteousness. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) states that Tamar was destined for greatness, as her name alludes to the future Davidic dynasty (tamar means "date palm," symbolizing uprightness). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:11) notes that Tamar was modest and conducted herself with dignity, even in difficult circumstances.
The Role of Yehuda
Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that Yehuda's involvement in arranging the marriage demonstrates his leadership and sense of responsibility. Unlike his brothers, who were preoccupied with Yosef's sale, Yehuda focused on building his family. However, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:2) hints at a deeper lesson: Yehuda's descendants would face trials (such as the deaths of Er and Onan) to ultimately bring forth the lineage of Moshiach.
Lessons from the Verse