The Real Reason Jewish People Tear Their Clothes After A Death

Expressions of grief take many forms.In Hinduism, male mourners usually shave their heads as a symbol of grief. There was an ancient pagan custom of tearing the hair and skin to symbolize the loss of one's own flesh and blood. Since tearing hair and skin is forbidden by the Torah, Jewish mourners perform Kriah, which

Expressions of grief take many forms. In Hinduism, male mourners usually shave their heads as a symbol of grief. There was an ancient pagan custom of tearing the hair and skin to symbolize the loss of one's own flesh and blood. Since tearing hair and skin is forbidden by the Torah, Jewish mourners perform Kriah, which means tearing in Hebrew. Kriah is the tradition of rending clothes to express grief and anger after a death. Grieving loved ones cut their clothes over their heart. The tear represents a channel to release the deluge of emotions they are holding in (via Chabad.org).

The tradition aids the bereaved in acknowledging their loss, expressing anger, and confronting their grief openly. According to Chabad.org, the practice signifies that with the death of a loved one, only the physical bond is torn apart (the outer garment representing the body); the bonds between the souls of the deceased and the bereaved forged during their life remains. Furthermore, Kriah assists in giving the mourners mental comfort and releasing their emotional pain through a religiously-sanctioned act of destruction, explains Rabbi Maurice Lamm to Hadassah Magazine.

The Torah records many instances of rending garments after a death. For example, when Jacob, third of the patriarchs and grandson of Abraham, heard of his son Joseph's death, he tore his clothing. Likewise, David, the third king of the United Kingdom of Israel, tore his clothes upon learning about the death of King Saul (per Chabad.org).

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