Community Magazine May 2003

C ontinuing the focus on some of the wonderful segulot (mystical powers) of various gems that we began in the March issue, here are the segulot that our Rabbis have attributed to the stones that represented the tribes of Levi, Yehuda, Yosef and Naftalie on the Choshen (Kohen Gadol’s breastplate). OPAL The tribe of Levi was portrayed by a stone called “Bareket”. This word trans- lates as bright light as in “Barak” mean- ing lightning. This stone is known today as the opal which gives off a fiery lumi- nescence. It’s colors range anywhere from creamy white to bluish or pinkish hues. For this stone it is written that “it will bring light”. Not in the literal sense but, in the metaphysical sense. If the stone is worn to ones skin it will bring a sense of knowledge, intelligence and common sense which will give a person higher understanding. MARQUISATE Tribe of Yehuda portrayed on the Choshen by the stone Nofeh, known today as marquisate, has a black color yet shiny surface. Possessing an almost like steel slate color, the Segullah for this stone is to flee your enemies away from you. The “Ayin Ha’ra” (evil eye) is said to be ineffective on those who adorn this stone. ONYX Shoham, also known as onyx, is a solid black stone that represented the tribe of Yosef. This stone will bring friendships and create a likeable rela- tionship between the person adorning it and those that they encounter. TURQUOISE The tribe of Naftalie was portrayed by a turquoise stone on the Choshen. The stone’s biblical name is Shevoh and its Segullah brings direction in the person’s life. For example, the trail riders of our forefather’s times used to wear turquoise so as not to fall off their horses during their long journeys. Translated in mod- ern terms we could understand this con- cept to mean maintaining our direction in the ways of Hashem without faltering. The final four stones of the Choshen will be described in a future issue. In the meantime, consider that none of the segulot are mutually exclusive. So wearing a necklace that is set with onyx, earrings made from opal, a marquisate ring and a Turquoise broche or a bracelet featuring all four could impart one with all of the segulot described above. The only caveat: with all of these benefits in mind try not forget that these wonderful creations of Hashem are also quite beautiful. P ract ical G em s B Y : E S T H E R A R A K A N C H I PART II