Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Why is the Jewish nation divided into twelve shevatim (tribes), something that in time led to division and even war? Wouldn’t it have been better for the nation to exist as a single entity, allowing for greater unity and peace?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Each Shevet Has a Unique Role
While all Jews keep the same Torah and mitzvot, each shevet (loosely translated as “tribe”) possesses its own unique qualities and spiritual potential, with which to serve Hashem (God).
This division began with the sons of Yaakov (Jacob). Although the word shevet is often translated as “tribe,” its true meaning is a “branch.” Yaakov was the root, containing within him all of these spiritual qualities, and his sons were the branches, each one embodying a different aspect of those qualities.
For example, Yehudah possessed the qualities needed for leadership, from which his shevet would produce kings; Levi had the qualities required for Kehunah (Priesthood), performing the avodah (service) in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple); Yissachar for Torah study; and Zevulun for providing material support for Torah study.
This is reflected in the blessings of Yaakov to his sons and those later given by Moshe (Moses) to the shevatim — each one tailored to the unique qualities and role of that shevet.
Unity Through Diversity
When all the shevatim unite, combining their unique qualities, they form a more complete Jewish people. Shalom (peace) does not merely mean the absence of conflict; it comes from the word shaleim, complete. This is why Hashem rests His presence upon the Jewish people only when there is unity among them. Since Hashem is complete, His Presence rests among us only when we are complete, which is only possible when each shevet is contributing its unique qualities and unite together as one.
The Meaning of the Degalim
This was the secret of the degalim, the flags carried by each shevet when they were encamped in the Midbar. As Rashi tells us, the color on each flag corresponded to the color of that shevet’s stone on the Choshen, the breastplate worn by the Kohen Gadol. Additionally, each flag bore an image representing that shevet. On the surface, the flags served to identify each tribe’s place within the encampment — but surely the Jewish people could find their own camp without a special banner. What, then, was the deeper purpose?
The flags were declarations of purpose. Colors represent different ideas and qualities; red, for instance, represents din, divine judgment. The colors and images on each tribe’s flag expressed its unique spiritual qualities and calling, serving as symbols of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Lessons From the Angels
This also explains why, when the Heavens opened up at Sinai and the Jewish people glimpsed the malachim (angels) arranged in formations under their own flags, they longed to have flags of their own (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:3). What was so wondrous about this sight? Each angel is created for a singular purpose, and the flags expressed that purpose. It was the clarity and expression of each shevet’s unique calling and abilities that the Jewish people yearned for.
A Complete Nation Centered on the Mishkan
Yet the flags expressed more than individual identity. The shevatim camped and traveled in a precise formation, in groupings of three with defined sides. Each group was placed in a specific direction – north, east, west and south – according to its unique spiritual and physical influence, and its relationship to the others, so that together they formed a single, complete entity. And at the center of this formation stood the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the resting place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
The Challenge and Opportunity of Differences
Although this system could be the cause of jealousy and machloket (dispute), it is just like every opportunity in this world which comes with challenges. And this was the ultimate way for each shevet — and the Jewish people as a whole — to reach its true unity and greatest potential.
In Short
Each shevet has unique qualities with which to serve Hashem, and when they join together, they form a greater, more complete whole.
Written by Rabbi Aaron Shapiro
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