Understanding the Ritual of Tearing Clothes in Judaism

Email from Elizabeth Miller: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, I recently attended a Jewish funeral and noticed that the family members of the deceased tore their clothes. Could you explain the significance of this act?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Elizabeth, you are referring to a very poignant and meaningful Jewish mourning practice known as “Keriah,” which is Hebrew for tearing. Let’s delve into its significance.

The Meaning of Keriah

Keriah is the act of tearing one’s clothes, which mourners perform upon learning of the death of a close relative. This act is a powerful expression of grief and loss. It symbolizes the mourner’s inner pain and the irreparable loss caused by the death of a loved one.

Biblical Origins

The tradition of Keriah has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, where we see several instances of individuals tearing their garments as a sign of mourning or distress, such as Jacob when he believed his son Joseph was dead (Genesis 37:34), or Job upon hearing of the loss of his family (Job 1:20).

When and How Keriah Is Performed

Traditionally, Keriah is performed immediately upon receiving news of the death or at the beginning of the funeral service. The mourner makes a small tear in the garment over the heart, a symbolic expression of the heartbreak caused by the death. If the deceased is a parent, the tear is made on the left side, closer to the heart, and for other relatives, on the right side.

The Significance of the Garment

The torn garment is worn during the period of “Shiva,” the seven days of intense mourning following the burial. This practice is a public sign of mourning and reflects the Torah’s emphasis on expressing and confronting grief rather than suppressing it.

Contemporary Practices

In modern times, some mourners may opt to wear a torn black ribbon instead of tearing their actual clothes, which serves the same symbolic purpose and conforms to the spirit of the tradition.

Conclusion

Elizabeth, Keriah is a deeply symbolic act that connects the mourner to a long tradition of Jewish expressions of grief. It is a profound external manifestation of the internal sorrow and a step in the journey of coming to terms with the loss.

If you have any further questions about Jewish mourning customs or any other aspect of Jewish life, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you comfort and peace,

Rabbi Joshua

Clarifying Jewish Faith in Relation to the “Old Testament”

Email from Kevin Parker: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, in Christian circles, I often hear the term ‘Old Testament’ used for the first part of the Bible. Do Jews believe in the ‘Old Testament’ as Christians do?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Kevin, your question is a common one and addresses how different faiths relate to sacred scriptures. Let’s delve into the Jewish perspective on this matter.

The Hebrew Bible and Jewish Tradition

The collection of texts Christians refer to as the “Old Testament” is known in Judaism as the “Tanakh.” This term is an acronym for the three sections of the Hebrew Bible: Torah (Teaching), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Significance of the Tanakh in Judaism

The Tanakh is the foundational text of Judaism and is considered by Jews to be the written record of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The Torah, or the Five Books of Moses, is the central component of Jewish religious teachings and is read and studied continuously.

Jewish Interpretation of the Tanakh

Jewish interpretation of these texts can vary from literal to metaphorical. The texts are accompanied by a vast body of commentaries, including the Talmud and Midrash, which explore the deeper meanings of the scripture and how they apply to life.

Differences in Jewish and Christian Perspectives

While Jews and Christians share these texts, their interpretations and the context in which they are understood can differ significantly. The concept of the “Old Testament” is a Christian one, implying a superseded covenant, which is not a perspective shared by Jews. For Jews, the Tanakh represents a living, current covenant with God.

Conclusion

Kevin, Jews do believe in the texts Christians refer to as the “Old Testament,” but they understand and relate to these texts through the lens of Jewish tradition and theology, which differs from Christian interpretations.

If you have any more questions or wish to explore the subject further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Rabbi Joshua