JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

August 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Genesis 32:32.

This verse reads: "Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob's hip in the muscle that shrank" (Revised Authorized Version).

The children of Israel began the observance of this custom voluntarily, out of respect for their ancestor Jacob. This tradition was faithfully observed by the Jews in the time of Jesus, as is recorded in the "Antiquities of the Jews," by Flavius Josephus (Book I, Chapter XX, Section 2), and is followed today by some Orthodox Jews. There is, however, no record in the Bible that Jesus Himself ever observed it. It was a tradition of men and is not binding upon Christians today.

It would not be wrong to observe this custom today. Such an observance, however, would be totally unnecessary.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is a pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT