Join Us! The Hoshen Gems in Jewish Sources
Generations of sages have attributed spiritual powers and influences to semi-precious stones. Rabbeinu Bachya stated (Exodus 28) , ‘There is no precious gem that does not draw powers from the upper spheres’. This power is discussed in the Medrash (Bereishit Rabba 14) which states that ‘when rain falls everything is blessed…even the precious stones receive powers from above’. ‘There are only twelve precious stones; the stones set into the Hoshen breastplate. All other stones are strains and varieties of these twelve… ‘According to kabbalah, there is wonder and wisdom in the 12 Hoshen gems. One gem – and color – was attributed to each tribe according to their characteristics.
According to kabbalah and ancient philosophy, and as written by the Ibn Ezra (Exodus 28;9), ‘All powers can be found in the derivatives of all gems’. The Midrash Talpiot attributes specific powers to the gemstones, and matches these powers to the characteristics of their corresponding tribes.
The following is a review of the Hoshen gemstones; their specific charms and talismans and an explanation of the matching characteristic of their specific tribe.
Odem: Reuben
Medrash Talpiot states that Ruben’s gem is the Odem (carnelian/ruby). It brightens the eyes (alluded to in Reuben’s name, derived from the Hebrew phrase ‘Hashem saw my pain’). It stops blood, strengthens the heart, and quiets anger (Reuben was chastised by his father ‘you were impetuous like water’). Rabbeinu Bachya states that Reuben was the eldest son, therefore ‘the carnelian is a charm that prevents miscarriage and is beneficial for women who have difficulty bearing children. When crushed and mixed with food and drink, it benefits pregnancy’. The Orchot Chaim (Siman 301) adds that this stone is a talisman to be worn during epidemics. Its color is also discussed: ‘Reuben symbolizes judgment – and kabalists believe that that the carnelian alludes to the characteristic of judgment’ (Rabbeinu Bachya, Otzar Yisrael).
Pitdah: Simon
The Midrash Talpiot believes that this is a soft, green stone ‘that when placed in boiling water, will cool it off’. Similarly, Rabbeinu Bachya states that it chills the body. The author of the Midrash Talpiot states that this stone is a talisman for diseases of the intestines and malaria.
Bareket: Levi
Rabbeinu Bachya explains that this stone’s Hebrew name (ברקת) is similar in root to lightning – because it shines brightly. This stone corresponds to the tribe of Levi who enlightened the world with Torah, as it states ‘You will teach your ordinances to Yaakov and Torah to Yisrael’ (Deuteronomy, 33). When Moses was born, to the tribe of Levi, his home was filled with the light of Torah, and later in his life, a ray of light shone from his countenance.
This stone bestows wisdom on the foolish and gives a shine to one’s eyes. The Midrash Talpiot also stated that this gemstone facilitates beneficial dreams, brings about victory over one’s enemies, and provides protection from lightning and thunder. This is appropriate, because the tribe of Levi toiled in Torah, and our sages stated that someone who sustains himself with Torah will not encounter negative dreams, his enemies will fall beneath him, and will be protected from all harm.
Nofech: Judah
The Medrash Talpiot states that this gem ‘removes bad thoughts, reinforces vitality, helps the heart and spirit, removes natural slumber, and circumvents epidemics’. Rabbeinu Bachya notes the radiant shine of the stone, and states that its carrier is assured that his enemies will flee before him.
Sapir: Issachar
The Decalogue was hewn from sapphire, and therefore it is the stone of Issachar who studied Torah. When the Jewish Nation received the Torah, they saw the Heavenly Throne ‘and under its feet were sapphire bricks’. It is also known that the souls of those who learn Torah remain alive underneath the Heavenly Throne, and it says, ‘It looked like sapphire in the form of a throne’.
Rabbeinu Bachya states that the stone is light-blue, the color of humility and unpretentiousness. Its charms are primarily physical. It is beneficial for the eyes – therefore it should be passed over one’s eyes (Torah brightens one’s eyes). It can also help pain and swelling in any part of the body (Torah heals all parts of the body).
Yahalom: Zebulon
This is Zebulon’s gemstone as it is completely white, like silver is white. It symbolizes Zebulon’s wealth, as it says ‘Zebulon rests on the shore of the sea’ and symbolizes financial success. It also prevents nightmares and cures all harsh, black diseases.
Leshem: Dan
This stone has spiritual powers. ‘It protects a person from danger, strengthens the heart, brightens the eyes, and makes its holder happy and goodhearted his whole life’ (Medrash Talpiot).
Shvo: Naphtali
This stone brings its wearer sleep, rest and happiness. It helps the heart and protects a person from all evil. This gem should be hung around the neck so that it hangs on the chest above the heart. It provides financial assistance, helps its carrier find favor and mercy in the eyes of all beholders, and bolsters wisdom and intelligence. This gemstone is attributed to Naphtali who was wise, poetic, rich, serene, quiet and happy.
Achlama: Gad
Rabbeinu Bachya extrapolates that Gad was a tribe of warriors. Therefore, this gemstone strengthens the heart of its wearer so that he should not be fearful in battle. Its Hebrew name stems from the root ‘strength’.
Tarshish: Asher
This stone assists the respiratory system, the heart and prevents black fears. It chases away evil spirits, prevents bad dreams and grants wisdom to the foolish. It cures phobias, and helps it wearer find favor in the eyes of all beholders so that he succeeds in business. This gemstone corresponds to Asher since its color is reminiscent of the sea, and Asher ‘settles on its shores’.
Shoham: Joseph
Joseph ‘found favor in the eyes of all beholders’, in the eyes of his master and his master’s wife. Rabbeinu Bachya writes that this gem helps its wearer find favor in the eyes of all who see him. Wearing it in the royal palace will help him successfully express his needs so that they will be accepted. The Midrash Talpiot states that this gem, ‘is good for memory, quiets the heart, shines the eyes, cures diarrhea, and increases love for learning Torah and wisdom’.
Yaspa: Benjamin
This stone protects its wearer from poison and floods, cures intestinal disorders and stops hemorrhages. It strengthens vision and helps a woman in midst of a difficult labor. This gemstone was attributed to Benjamin because of his power to abstain and the fact that he refrained from telling his father that the brothers had sold Joseph. This stone is also reminiscent of Rachel, Benjamin’s mother, who died during childbirth. Therefore, it helps those in midst of a difficult labor.
Hoshen-gems-in-english Tribe-of-levi Hoshen-gems on a necklace