The 12 Tribes of Israel Collection
Levi from the 12 Tribes of Israel
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Levi - The Cleric“This time my husband will be attached to me.” (Gen. 29:34)
The attachment that Leah describes in naming her third son, Levi, is embodied in the tribe’s quality of service. The tribe of Levi is dedicated to G-d in their service in the sanctuary, working together for the good of all to express devotion to the One Above. The painting invites us to step down into the courtyard of the holy Temple in Jerusalem -- to join in the service. Our eye is drawn to the Menorah in the centre, which was cast from one solid piece of gold. The flames of the Menorah were said to point towards the middle flame. At the centre of our service of G-d is our unity as a nation. Together, as one, we are dedicated to our higher purpose: the holy task of lighting up the world.
The green hues of the painting reflect the gemstone of the tribe of Levi, green agate. |
Detailed Explanation
- Essential Quality - Service
- Birth Mother - Leah
- Birth Order - Third
- Mother's Naming - Again she (Leah) conceived, and bore a son and declared, "This time my husband will become attached to me for I have borne him three sons"; therefore she called his name Levi. (Genesis, 29:34)
- Landscape - The Jewish Quarter and Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.
- Gemstone - Green Agate
- Father (Jacob) Blessing - "Simeon and Levi are comrades, their weaponry is a stolen craft. Into their conspiracy, may my soul not enter! With their congregation, do not join, O my honour! For in their rage they murdered people and at their whim they hamstrung an ox. Accursed is their rage for it is intense, and their wrath for it is harsh; I will separate them within Jacob, and I will disperse them in Israel." (Genesis, 49:5-7)
- Kabbalah - Levi is the tribe chosen to serve in the Temple. "Levi" also means 'attached' or 'joined'. Levi is the personality of dedicating your life to serving a higher calling; of freeing oneself from the shackles of a materialistic world and dedicating oneself to Divine service. (Jacobson, Simon from Twelve Tribes - Twelve Paths)