Asher
Artist: Maria Stolz

“Out of Asher his bread shall be fat and he shall yield royal dainties.” Gen.49:20

The tribe of Asher ultimately became known as nurturers, supplying bounteous food for the House of Israel.  They became noted for their gracious nobility, untouched by corruption and endowed with fulfilling everyone’s needs.

Their standard is the olive tree, which is a symbol of opulence and joy; figs are depicted suggesting oriental succulence of a king’s banquet.

The menorah, which is a true depiction on the emblem of Israel was maintained by olive oil, as also illustrated here by the oil lamp used in Bibilical times and pots which stored the oil.  Also relating to olive oil is the anointing horn, which is an actual item of antiquity and symbolizing the horn of plenty. The dove represents the shekhinah, peace and the self-assurance of the tribe.

According to oral teaching, the people of Asher never showed their age, because they cultivated the eternal from within.  They did not need to wander, seek or search.  They were, as their name in Hebrew means, happy with their lot.

©Maria Stolz

Reuben | Simeon | Levi | Judah | Dan | Naphtali | Gad | Asher | Issachar | Zebulun | Joseph | Benjamin

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