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The Abundance of Asher
TANAKH
The tribe of Asher was blessed with an abundance of high-quality produce, particularly olive oil, which was used for cooking, anointing, and Temple service. In the book of Genesis, Jacob blesses his son Asher, foretelling the prosperity and richness of Asher's land.
The Self-Made Man
COMMENTARY
Asher is blessed to be a 'self-made' individual, generating his wealth from within himself through his efforts or merit. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s 18th-century commentary, Or HaChaim, provides mystical and ethical insights into Jacob's blessings to his sons.
The Most Blessed of Sons
TANAKH
Asher is uniquely blessed among the tribes of Israel, with prosperity, favor, and abundance symbolized by dipping his foot in oil. In the final book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the blessings given to each tribe, highlighting Asher's exceptional fortune and favor.
Strength in Old Age
COMMENTARY
Asher's physical strength and agility in old age is attributed to the care and practices during youth. The medieval Torah commentary Daat Zekenim by the Tosafists incorporates Talmudic references to illustrate this point.
Asher's Role in Reuben's Sin
COMMENTARY
Asher's role in informing his brothers about Reuben's sin with Bilhah led to significant familial conflict and eventual reconciliation. This narrative from the Midrash provides deeper insight into the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the sons of Jacob.
The Secret Wisdom of Asher
KABBALAH
The blessing of Asher contains secret wisdom that offers profound spiritual insights. The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, reveals the esoteric teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Blessings of Generosity
MUSAR
The tribe of Asher was blessed with many sons as a reward for their generosity in giving charity. In his 17th-century work, Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz connects the blessings received by the tribe of Asher to the meticulous fulfillment of the obligation of tithes, as interpreted from Maleachi 3:10.
The Strength of Asher
TARGUM
The tribe of Asher is noted for their remarkable physical strength and endurance, likened to iron and brass. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, elaborates on Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel.
The Courage to Pursue
COMMENTARY
The tribe of Asher is one of the tribes that displayed remarkable courage and national feeling by mobilizing with makeshift weapons to pursue the Midianites in the Book of Judges. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides a clear and engaging account of this spontaneous mobilization.
Royal Descendants of Asher
MIDRASH
The grandsons of Asher, Heber and Malchiel, are depicted as having esteemed roles and receiving royal delicacies. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, weaves together a rich tapestry of Jewish folklore and biblical stories.
Staying by the Seacoast
TANAKH
The Book of Judges describes the period of decentralized leadership in Israel, including the actions and inactions of various tribes.
Serving God Beyond Reward
CHASIDUT
Serving God out of sheer gratitude and a sense of being chosen, without any expectation of reward, represents a higher level of divine service. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, in his Hasidic commentary Kedushat Levi, interprets Jacob's blessing to Asher in Genesis to explore this profound concept.
The Blessings of Asher's Daughters
MIDRASH
The beauty and significance of Asher's daughters are directly linked to the blessings Asher received. The Midrash Tanchuma, a collection of homiletic teachings, explores the blessings given to the tribe of Asher, emphasizing the beauty and happiness brought by his daughters.
Sustenance from Asher's Land
MIDRASH
The land of Asher is noted for its exceptional fertility, providing sustenance even during the Sabbatical year. The Sifrei Devarim, a midrashic commentary on Deuteronomy, highlights the special blessing of Asher's land.
The Fourth Row of the Breastplate
TARGUM
The gemstones associated with Asher, Joseph, and Benjamin are uniquely placed in the fourth row of the High Priest's breastplate, symbolizing their completeness and the gold socketing. The Targum Jerusalem, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, describes the High Priest's breastplate, which held twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Stamp of Israel - Tribes, Inscription on tab: "Asher’s bread shall be rich" Genesis 49,20. Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 150, Issued on November 8, 1955, Designer: G. Hamori.
Stamp of Israel - Tribes, Inscription on tab: "Asher’s bread shall be rich" Genesis 49,20. Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 150, Issued on November 8, 1955, Designer: G. Hamori.
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