[Avodah] Why did Tamar not disclose as soon as she realised she was pregnant

[Rabbi Meir G. Rabi]

Had Tamar advised Yehudah as soon as she realised she was pregnant
[and submitted the ID that she anyway submitted after she had been
condemned to death
i.e. abandoned any evidence that may have been used to point to Yehudah
being the father]
that would have given Yehudah additional options
he could have married her to Sheilah or married her himself
which wold save Yehudah from embarassmsnt
or sent her away
or keep the evidence and condemn her to death

If it is preferable to have oneself incinerated rather than
embarrass someone
is it not preferable to provide these honourable options?

Why did Tamar not make this disclosure as soon as she realised she was
pregnant?

There is a Medrash that she lost those Simanim - [it seems Chazal were
bothered by this Q]
but even so she could have sent a message describing details that would
clearly indicate the truth of her claim
and provide Yehudah with face-saving options

At worst Yehudah may have suspected that she is holding onto the ID
and just claiming that she doesnt have them
thus his actions would have been under duress

is that still not better than what actually happened?




Best,

Meir G. Rabi

0423 207 837
+61 423 207 837
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