The Choshen Hamishpat, or the Breastplate of Judgment, is one of the most fascinating and significant artifacts in ancient Jewish tradition. The Choshen was adorned with twelve unique gemstones, each symbolizing one of the Twelve Shevatim. These stones were not only visually stunning but also carried deep spiritual and symbolic meanings, connecting each tribe with divine attributes and responsibilities.
Throughout history, precious stones have held both spiritual and material importance. Rabbenu Bachya, in his commentary on Shemos 28, highlighted that each gem derives power from a divine source. According to the Midrash (Bereishis Rabba 14), gems even receive blessings and strength from above during rainfall.
The twelve primary categories of precious stones correspond to the gems on the Choshen, with other stones considered as variations. The twelve gems are linked to the shevatim, each stone representing unique attributes symbolized by their colors. Midrash Talpiot delves into the individual characteristics of these gems, explaining the significance behind each shevet's designated stone.
"וּמִלאתָ בוֹ מִלאַת אֶבֶן אַרְבָּעָה טוּרִים אָבֶן טוּר
אדֶם פִּטְדָה וּבָרֶקֶת הַטוּר הָאֶחָד
וְהַטּוּר הַשּׁנִי נפֶךְ סַפִּיר וְיָהֲלֹם
וְהַטוּר הַשלִישִׁי לֶשֶׁם שְׁבוֹ וְאַחְלָֽמָה
הַטוּר הָֽרְבִיעִי תַּרְשִׁישׁ וְשׁהַם וְיָשְׁפֵה מְשֻׁבָּצִים זָהָב יִהְיוּ בְּמִלוּאתָם"
1. Reuben – Ruby (Odem)
- Stone: Ruby
- Color: Deep Red
- Symbolism: Shevet Reuven was associated with the ruby gemstone due to its representation of the blush on his face when he acknowledged his mistake in Bilhah's tent. His courage to confess without hesitation was symbolized by this red gemstone known as "rubin." This gem is associated with various healing properties, such as stopping bleeding, strengthening the heart, and calming anger. Reuven, who faced criticism from his father for being as inconsistent as water and lacking distinction, is connected to these characteristics. Rabbenu Bahya suggested that the gem's special qualities stem from Reuven being the eldest. It is said that a woman carrying this gem will not suffer a miscarriage and that it can aid in childbirth challenges. Furthermore, the gem is mentioned in the book Orchot Chayim for its effectiveness during plagues.
2. Simeon – Topaz (Pitdah)
- Stone: Topaz
- Color: Green, Yellow or Golden
- Symbolism: Midrash Talpiot suggests that the piteda is a delicate green stone known for its remarkable ability to cool boiling water when submerged and potential benefits for those experiencing digestive troubles and malaria. Rabbenu Bahya also indicates that this gemstone can help lower body temperature. This gem was given to Shimon as a reminder of his tribe's transgression with the daughters of Midian and Moav. Hashem demonstrated compassion towards Shimon, wishing for this gem to serve as his advocate, cooling his body and blood to help him resist his desires. The gem's power lies in its ability to counteract carnal urges. Through experimentation, scientists found that when placed in boiling water, the gem quickly cooled it to a temperature safe for touch, preventing burns or harm.
3. Levi – Emerald (Bareket)
- Stone: Emerald
- Color: Green
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Symbolism: This gem was given to shevet Levi to show honor and greatness because of their occupation with the study of the torah and mitzvos, as it is written:
"יוֹר֤וּ מִשְׁפָּטֶ֨יךָ֙ לְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב וְתוֹרָֽתְךָ֖ לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל."
Midrash Talpiot claimed that the gem gave protection and security: Its properties are to cause one to have good dreams; it is beneficial in gaining victory over the enemy in war, and it guards a person from lightning and thunder.
he choice of this stone to represent Levi stems from Levi's role in enlightening the people through spiritual teachings, specifically the Torah. Moshe, a Levi, was said to bring light to the entire house upon his birth. This gemstone's positive attribute lies in its ability to enlighten the ignorant, offering insights they never had before, along with its general function of providing light like a lamp.
4. Judah – Garnet (Nofech)
- Stone: Garnet (some sources suggest Carbuncle)
- Color: Red or Deep Orange
- Symbolism: This precious gem was bestowed upon Yehuda, the most remarkable of Jacob's sons. He was the one who presided over the royal court of law, as it is stated: "לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר שֵׁ֙בֶט֙ מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה." Garnet is the most esteemed of all gems, possessing numerous exceptional qualities that surpass those of other gems. It is particularly effective against leprosy and anxiety. Its bearer is destined to achieve victory over their enemies in battle. The stone's black hue was given to Yehuda when his face clouded after realizing that his father Yaakov held a grudge against him due to Yosef’s disappearance. Yehuda remained in disgrace and mistrusted by his father until he received the bracha: "מִטֶּ֖רֶף בְּנִ֣י עָלִ֑יתָ." The nofech was fitting for Yehuda due to his grief over the deaths of his wife and two sons, as well as his need for solace. Additionally, he required this gem to triumph over his foes in battle.
5. Issachar – Sapphire (Sapir)
- Stone: Sapphire
- Color: Blue
- Symbolism: Yissachar's name was engraved on a sapphire, renowned for its blue color, symbolizing wisdom. Shevet Yissachar was highly regarded for its profound understanding of Torah. In our tradition, sapphire is believed to have been used for the luchos. The blue hue is associated with humility and modesty, making it universally appealing. This gem is known for its beneficial effects on eyesight and is often placed in front of the eyes. Just as sapphire is believed to alleviate various physical discomforts, Torah is considered a remedy for overall well-being. Studying Torah is seen as a potent solution for headaches.
6. Zevulun – Diamond (Yahalom)
- Stone: Diamond
- Color: Clear
- Symbolism: Zevulun's name was engraved on the clear and transparent diamond gemstone. This choice symbolizes the "white" silver, reflecting the material wealth associated with the shevet Zevulun. According to Yakov’s bracha, Zevulun was renowned as a successful trader who ventured far to bring prosperity back from distant lands. The diamond was a fitting choice for this shevet due to its connection with wealth. Diamonds are known for their unique ability to aid in sleep, a quality Leah alluded to when she, as Zevulun's mother, expressed her hope for a lasting bond with her husband after his birth.
7. Dan – Citrine (Leshem)
- Stone: Citrine
- Color: Yellow
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Symbolism: This precious gem was designated for the tribe of Dan due to its resemblance to a lion's eyes, symbolizing the shevet’s characteristics. The name "Leshem" is shared with a city in the northern region of Dan. Just as a lion loses strength when its sight is obstructed, Shimshon, from shevet Dan, lost his power when his eyes were harmed. Shevet Dan was known for excelling as judges, as they were expected to judge their people fairly
In contrast, Leshem possesses spiritual qualities, such as warning of danger, boosting courage, dispelling worries, increasing joy, and promoting eye health. The gem is believed to bring success and happiness to its wearer. In various texts, Leshem is referred to by different names, each highlighting its unique characteristics.
8. Naftali – Agate (Shevo)
- Stone: Agate
- Color: Varied Stripes (often Red, Brown, or Green)
- Symbolism: Rabbenu Bachya notes that horseback riders are diligent in carrying the shvo at all times because it connects the rider to the vehicle, ensuring a successful riding experience. Midrash Talpiot explains: the shvo protects against lightning, guards a person from dying in war or from plague, strengthens the heart, and promotes sweet sleep. It enhances a man's honor, fortune, and intelligence. Its power lies in its ability to cool and refresh the body, providing sleep, rest, and happiness to its wearer. Wearing the gem near the heart, promoting wealth, kindness, and mercy, while also granting wisdom and intelligence to the bearer. This gem was bestowed upon shevet Naftali, known for its wisdom. Naftali was characterized by wealth, tranquility, and happiness: "’נַפְתָּלִי שְׂבַע רָצוֹן וּמָלֵא בִּרְכַּת ה."
9. Gad – Amethyst (Achlamah)
- Stone: Amethyst
- Color: Purple
- Symbolism: The gemstone bearing the name of Gad was the Amethyst. The reason this gemstone was used to symbolize Gad was that seeing the gemstone crystal is very common and everyone is familiar with it, the members of the tribe of Gad were also widely known as were the people who had been slain by this tribe in the wars of Eretz Yisroel. The special property of this gemstone is that it reinforces the resolve of one’s heart when going to war and prevents one from becoming faint-hearted. The gemstone gives man strength. Rabbenu Bachya writes "This stone guards the heart against fear in battle."
10. Asher – Aquamarine (Tarshish)
- Stone: Aquamarine
- Color: Blue or Sea Green
- Symbolism: Midrash Talpiot explain the properties includes reducing nearsightedness and shortness of breath. It bestows knowledge and wisdom on its wearer; it cures leprosy and afflictions. Tarshish is beneficial for the respiratory organs, for faint-heartedness and for melancholy. It banishes bad spirits and sends them fleeing and it prevents bad dreams. The gem heals fear and trembling. it makes the wearer pleasing to others; thus, he is successful in commerce and is worldly with regard to international trade. This gem was given to Asher because its color is suggestive of the sea and is therefore suitable for Asher about whom it was written: "אָשֵׁ֗ר יָשַׁב֙ לְח֣וֹף יַמִּ֔ים וְעַ֥ל מִפְרָצָ֖יו יִשְׁכּֽוֹן" (shoftim 5:17). The stone assigned to Asher was believed to promote digestion and well-being for its wearer, aligning with the prosperity associated with the olive tree.
11. Joseph – Onyx (Shoham)
- Stone: Onyx
- Color: Black or White with Bands
- Symbolism: The unique characteristic of this gem is that those who possess it are perceived favorably by others. By rearranging its letters, it reveals the word "Hashem," reminiscent of how Yosef was guided and shielded by Hashem during his challenging journey. Yosef, According to Rabbenu Bachya, this gem has the power to make the wearer appear attractive to others, ensuring success and influence over listeners. Midrash Talpiot suggests that the shoham gem enhances memory, soothes the heart, brightens the eyes, treats digestive issues, fosters a love for studying Torah and acquiring wisdom. It is also believed to cure leprosy, ward off evil spirits, promote wealth, and possessions. Apart from its role in the choshen, the shoham gem was also placed on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
12. Binyamin – Jasper (Yashpeh)
- Stone: Jasper
- Color: Varied, often Red, Brown, or Green
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Symbolism: Yashfeh, the Gem of the Shevet Binyamin is multi-colored, and it is able to "heal bleeding in all parts of the body". Midrash Talpiot suggests another quality: "One who wears the gem will acquire a good name without effort!" This gem protects its wearer from succumbing to fatal drugs and from drowning in bodies of water. It heals weak digestive tracts, terminates blood flow, eliminates carnal lust, strengthens vision, and eases the pain of childbirth.
This gem was given to the tribe of Binyamin because of its resistant powers, Binyamin who obeyed the will of Hashem and resisted informing on his brothers to his father with regard to the sale of Yosef. This gem also is reminiscent of the merit of Rachel his mother, who died from giving birth to him, since it eases the pain of childbirth.
The twelve gemstones of the Choshen are more than just decorative elements; they are deeply symbolic of the unique roles and attributes of each Shevet. Together, they form a powerful representation of the unity and diversity of the Am Yisroel, with each stone contributing to the overall spiritual and communal strength of the people. Understanding the significance of each stone provides deeper insight into the ancient traditions and the enduring legacy of the Choshen in Jewish history and spirituality.
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