Community Magazine October 2003

64 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE T he Choshen, a special breast plate worn by the High Priest (Kohen Gadol), was constructed in accordance with specific details that Hashem described. Within the specifications, twelve unique, square-cut stones are arranged in a box. Each tribe was represented by one stone: Reuben – Ruby Naftalie – Shevoh Shimon – Petadot Gad – Achlamah Levy – Bareket Asher – Tarshish Yehudah – Nofeh Yosef – Shechem Issachar – Sapphire Binyamin – Ishpah Zebulon – Diamond Dan – Leshem We read in previous issues about the mystical powers held within these various stones. Adorning oneself with one of these gems is a segullah (mystical omen) to combat various ailments. The segullot described in previous issues included: Ruby – Healthy pregnancy Opal – Common Sense Sapphire – Reduces swelling Marquisate – Protection from Evil Eye Topaz – Better digestion Turquoise – Direction Diamond – Restfulness Onyx – Friendships The final four stones that will round out this series are: PERADOT This light green gem represents the tribe of Shimon. The segullah of this stone is a coolant. It is used to help chill severely high body temperatures. Even the “hot tempered” could benefit from the cooling effects of this stone. GARNET, (ISHPAH) Representing the tribe of Binyamin, this stone ranges in colors from orange to dark brown. Wearing this stone is a segullah to remedy high blood pressure. ACHLAMAH, CRYSTAL Gad is represented by this stone. Besides being a trendy thing to wear, crys- tal, is believed to have mystical powers to remedy all kinds of ailments. Specifically, according to our scriptures, crystal makes the heart strong and provides bravery to the weak. For example, men who would go out to war would adorn crystal to ward off cowardly thoughts that would ultimate- ly weaken the heart. LESHEM A type of marble that is earth color, Leshem represents Dan and is symbolic of the land of Israel. It is written “They will call Leshem, Dan,” because the name Dan will be a name of a city in Eretz Yisrael. The segullot may be useful to anyone, but are said to work best for only for the purest of souls. These remedies are not to be taken in place of medical treatment, however, if you are the type of person who feels good when wearing something special, all the more reason to feel extraordinary knowing that you are adorning something that may provide supplementary benefits. P ract ical G em s B Y : E S T H E R A R A K A N C H I PART III