Deuteronomy 25:6 - Preserving a brother's legacy?

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Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה הַבְּכוֹר אֲשֶׁר תֵּלֵד יָקוּם עַל־שֵׁם אָחִיו הַמֵּת וְלֹא־יִמָּחֶה שְׁמוֹ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And it shall be, that the firstborn which she bears shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead, that his name be not wiped out in Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Vehayah habekhor asher teled yakum al-shem achiv hameit velo-yimacheh shemo miyisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה הַבְּכוֹר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּלֵ֔ד יָק֕וּם עַל־שֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו הַמֵּ֑ת וְלֹֽא־יִמָּחֶ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 25:6) is part of the mitzvah of yibbum (levirate marriage), where a brother is commanded to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died childless. The purpose is to perpetuate the deceased brother's name and lineage in Yisrael.

Explanation of the Verse

The Torah states that the firstborn son born from the yibbum union will "succeed in the name of his brother who is dead." Rashi explains that this means the child will be called by the deceased brother's name in legal and familial matters, ensuring that the deceased's name is not erased from Yisrael. The Rambam (Hilchos Yibbum 1:2) elaborates that this mitzvah preserves the deceased's memory and inheritance rights.

Halachic Implications

Naming the Child: The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 165:7) rules that while the child is biologically the son of the living brother, he is legally considered the son of the deceased for matters of inheritance and family continuity.
Preventing Erasure: The Talmud (Yevamos 24a) emphasizes that this mitzvah ensures the deceased's name endures, fulfilling the pasuk's warning, "that his name be not wiped out in Yisrael."

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Seitzei 2) connects this mitzvah to the broader concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), as it rectifies the tragedy of a life cut short without progeny. The Sforno adds that this law reflects the sanctity of each individual's contribution to Klal Yisrael, as even in death, one's legacy must be preserved.

Philosophical Significance

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that this mitzvah underscores the Jewish value of zechut avot (merit of the fathers), where the deeds and identity of previous generations are carried forward. The child born from yibbum becomes a living testament to the eternal bond between past and future in Am Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 24a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of levirate marriage (yibbum), where the brother of a deceased man is obligated to marry his widow to perpetuate the deceased's name.

📖 Bava Batra 109b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about inheritance laws and the importance of maintaining a family's name and lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 25:6 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 25:6 discusses the mitzvah of yibbum (levirate marriage), where if a man dies without children, his brother is encouraged to marry the widow. The firstborn son from this union carries on the name of the deceased brother, ensuring his memory and lineage continue in Israel. This is based on the Torah's value of preserving family names and inheritance.

Q: Why is the continuation of a deceased brother's name important in Judaism?
A: In Judaism, preserving a person's name and lineage is deeply important, as it maintains their legacy and connection to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yevamot 24a) explains that this mitzvah ensures that the deceased brother's portion in the Land of Israel remains within the family, fulfilling the Torah's emphasis on inheritance and continuity.

Q: How does the concept of yibbum apply today?
A: While the practice of yibbum is rare today, halacha (Jewish law) still addresses it. The Rambam (Hilchos Yibbum 1:2) states that if the brother performs chalitzah (a ceremony releasing the widow from the obligation) instead of yibbum, the mitzvah is still fulfilled in a different way. Today, Ashkenazi communities generally prefer chalitzah, while some Sephardic communities may still consider yibbum under rabbinic guidance.

Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 25:6 about Jewish values?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family responsibility, continuity, and honoring the deceased. Rashi explains that the mitzvah prevents the deceased's name from being 'wiped out,' showing Judaism's emphasis on memory and legacy. It also highlights the Torah's concern for the widow's well-being and the preservation of tribal inheritances in Israel.