Why Do Jews Rip Clothes When Someone Dies?
Ripping one’s clothing is a sign of deep mourning for Jews Rip Clothes, practiced for thousands of years when a loved one passes away. Commonly referred to as Krish, the Jewish tradition places emphasis on expressing grief in a physical manner, thus allowing the mourner to let go of the deceased in a tangible way.
Origins of Kriah
The origins of Krish stem from the Jewish Torah in Genesis 37:34, when Jacob hears of the death of his beloved son, Joseph. It states that Jacob “tore his clothing, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son many days.” After this, Jews continued this custom as a way to honor the customs of their ancestors.
How Is Krish Performed?
Ripping garments is done typically on the day of the funeral, when a close relative of the deceased Jews Rip Clothes, with the black ribbon worn on the shoulder. This is done by:
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- Folding a piece of clothing at the heart level; traditionally black.
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- Tearing it from the top down.
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- Tying a black ribbon around the garments to finish the symbol of mourning.
The physical act helps the mourner to express their sadness, while also performing an act of faith.
Understanding Krish
Krish is practiced to pay respect to the deceased and to remove the joy that the mourner may be feeling. It is a tradition that is passed on throughout the generations, as it is a physical way to process grief, scripture, and traditions of Judaism.
Krish is an expression of deep mourning, practiced for thousands of years by Jews Rip Clothes all around the world. It is a way to not only pay respect to the deceased but also to help the mourner work through their grief in a physical manner.