question about Judaism

[Wagamama]

I recently saw a movie called "Left Luggage" there was a scene in it which I did not understand. One of the lead characters ripped the collar of another lead character (both were women and Jewish) and said something about Israel's daughters. I don't know what this means or why she cut her collar. Can someone please explain?
You can pm me if this will help keep this from turning into a debate or another dis civil war. THANKS!!!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

I didn't see the movie, so I can't answer the question with specificity. but it is a custom for mourners to tear or rip their clothes.

When a close relative (parent, sibling, spouse or child) first hears of the death of a relative, it is traditional to express the initial grief by tearing one's clothing. The tear is made over the heart if the deceased is a parent, or over the right side of the chest for other relatives. This tearing of the clothing is referred to as keriyah (lit. "tearing"). The mourner recites the blessing describing G-d as "the true Judge," an acceptance of G-d's taking of the life of a relative.

http://www.jewfaq.org/death.htm

 

[Wagamama]

thank you!!!! it totally makes sense now!!!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

ok. my pleasure. and now I have to go rent the movie.