Perez: The Breakthrough Son of Judah and Tamar. Perez, the twin son of Judah and Tamar, is one of the most significant figures in the book of Genesis because he became the forefather of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. Born in unusual and dramatic circumstances, his name reflects the “breach” or “breakthrough” he made at birth when he came out ahead of his brother Zerah, despite Zerah being marked with the scarlet thread.