Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef command the physicians to embalm Yaakov?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef had Yaakov embalmed because there was going to be a long journey to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan. The embalming preserved the body during the 40 days of mourning and the travel time (Genesis 50:3). This was an Egyptian practice that Yosef permitted for his father's honor.
Q: Does Jewish law permit embalming today?
A: Traditional Jewish law (Halacha) generally prohibits embalming, as it interferes with the natural process of returning to the earth ('For you are dust and to dust you shall return' - Genesis 3:19). The case of Yaakov was a unique exception due to the necessity of transporting his body to Canaan. The Rambam discusses that we do not derive general practices from this episode.
Q: Why does the verse call the embalmers 'physicians' (רופאים)?
A: The Midrash explains that in ancient Egypt, the same professionals who served as doctors also performed embalming, hence they are called 'physicians' in the verse. The Ibn Ezra adds that these were specifically Egyptian medical experts in preservation techniques, different from regular doctors.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's care for Yaakov's burial?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 13b) derives from this that honoring one's parents extends even after their passing. Yosef, as viceroy of Egypt, personally oversaw all arrangements despite his high position. This teaches the importance of kibud av v'em (honoring parents) at all times.
Q: Why is Yaakov referred to as 'Yisrael' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that when the Torah uses the name Yisrael (instead of Yaakov), it emphasizes his stature as the patriarch of the Jewish people. Here it highlights that the entire nation of Israel was symbolically being preserved through their forefather, as his descendants would ultimately leave Egypt.
The Command to Embalm Yaakov
The verse states: "And Yosef commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Yisra᾽el." (Bereishit 50:2). Rashi explains that the physicians mentioned here were not ordinary doctors but rather specialists in the Egyptian art of embalming (חֲנִיטָה). The Torah emphasizes that these were Yosef's servants, indicating that they acted under his authority and not as independent agents.
Why Did Yosef Embalm Yaakov?
Several reasons are given by the commentators:
The Role of the Physicians
The term "הָרֹפְאִים" (the physicians) is noteworthy. Ibn Ezra points out that in ancient Egypt, embalming was a specialized medical practice, hence the involvement of physicians. The Talmud (Pesachim 56a) also discusses the expertise required for preservation, suggesting that this was a highly skilled task.
Yaakov Referred to as "Yisrael"
The verse concludes by stating that the physicians embalmed "Yisrael" rather than "Yaakov." Rashi explains that this name emphasizes Yaakov's elevated spiritual status—the name Yisrael was given after his struggle with the angel (Bereishit 32:29) and signifies his role as the patriarch of the Jewish people. The use of this name in the context of his burial highlights his enduring legacy.