The 12 Tribes of Israel Collection
Reuben from the 12 Tribes of Israel Collection
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Reuben - The First“Because G-d saw my affliction.” (Gen. 29:32)
Named by his mother, Leah, the firstborn of the twelve tribes embodies the quality of vision. Illuminated by the sun rising over the hills around the Dead Sea, this painting asks us to gaze past the dark forms in the foreground and to see the world as it glows in the light of a new day.
From our vantage point we experience the powerful and healing energy of the first light warming the sky and the somewhat barren and undulating landscape. Our vision extends into the bright distance and is then joined to the present in the cheer of the acacia flowers that are directly in front of us, inviting us to celebrate another moment of creation. The warm reds of the painting reflect the tribe of Reuben’s gemstone sardius (possibly ruby). |
Detailed Explanation
- Essential Quality - Vision
- Birth Mother - Leah
- Birth Order - Firstborn
- Mother's Naming - Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, as she had declared, "Because Hashem has discerned my humiliation for now my husband will love me." (Genesis, 29:32)
- Landscape - A view of mountains to the east of the Dead Sea with Masada in the foreground.
- Gemstone - Sardius (possibly Ruby)
- Father (Jacob) Blessing - "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and my initial vigour, foremost in rank and foremost in power. Water-like impetuosity - you cannot be foremost, because you mounted your father's bed; then you desecrated Him Who ascended my couch." (Genesis, 49:3)
- Kabbalah - Reuben, the first-born son, represents the powerful energy of everything that comes first. In this painting, Lesley depicts the first rays of sunshine; the beginning of a new day. If channelled properly, the energy of the first can change worlds, but if abused, it can become a destructive force instead. Like water, it can be the source of life, but, if left unharnessed, it erodes its environment and floods its surroundings. (Jacobson, Simon from Twelve Tribes - Twelve Paths)