Crying: A History

Tears heal the soul, reveal our humanity, and bridge time—Yosef’s story shows the timeless power of crying.

Crying is one of humanity’s most profound and mysterious abilities, a bridge between the physical and emotional worlds. Uniquely human, and reflecting our tzelem Elokim, it captures our capacity to channel deep feelings through tears. Yet, crying is often misunderstood and suppressed, especially by men. Shlomo Hamelech reminds us that “there is a time to laugh and a time to cry.”¹ This delicate balance between restraint and release is exemplified in the story of Yosef’s tears in this week’s parashah. Tears can cleanse the soul, but only when channeled appropriately. Knowing when to cry, and when to hold back, requires wisdom.

About a year ago, my sister, Rebbetzin Kayla Goldstein, founded the Vaad L’Inyanei Igun and launched it with a gathering of Rabbanim to support Agunos. One of the featured speakers, Rav Moshe Weinberger, shared a moving story about the Rebbe of Hornosteipel, Reb Mottele. Known for being a confidant to those in pain, the Rebbe constantly had a stream of people outsi…