Significance of the Lion of Judah in Judaism

1) ORIGIN OF THE LION OF JUDAH

The very first Lion of Judah 🦁 comes from the book of Genesis. Each of the twelve tribes of Israel has a symbol associated with it. For example, Benjamin is a wolf and Daniel is a serpent. The verse in Genesis that gives the Lion symbol to Judah is “Gur Aryeh Yehudah,” which translates to “Young Lion of Judah.”

Over time, all Jews were known as Judah or Yehudah. It can be difficult to understand why Judah is so revered. Not least because of his involvement in the sale of his brother Joseph into slavery. But as Joseph’s story unfolds, the Lion of Judah becomes a symbol of the values and commitment of the Jewish people ✡️.

2) JUDAH AND THE OLD TESTAMENT

The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis 📖 is full of lessons. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. Despite this, he manages to rise to a position of strength in Egypt.

After a devastating drought in the land of Canaan, Joseph’s brothers come to beg him for his food. They do not recognize him and do not suspect anything when he asks them to return to him with their youngest brother Benjamin.

Since the loss of Joseph, Benjamin has become their father’s favorite son. Their father prefers not to abandon him. Judah promises his father that he will look after Benjamin and that they will return safely.

Joseph finally tries to teach his brothers a lesson and inserts a silver cup into Benjamin’s 👜 bag. The stolen cup is found and Joseph decrees that, as punishment, Benjamin must remain in Egypt as a slave.

During this test of his brothers’ character, Joseph tries to see one thing. Will his brothers once again let their brother suffer so they can improve their own lives? Judah steps forward, begging Joseph to allow his brother Benjamin to be free. He then offers himself in his place.

Am I my brother’s keeper? Throughout Genesis, the question of personal responsibility and responsibility to our fellow man is a central theme. From the story of Cain and Abel to the story of the betrayal of Joseph and his brothers, this theme is underlying.

Cain murders his brother Abel and rejects God’s questions with a sarcastic response, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain shows no remorse for what he has done 😵.

The rest of the book of Genesis 📖 represents the answer to this question. Here, the answer is a resounding yes! Judah steps forward and takes responsibility. The result is a family reunion. Yes, he is his brother’s keeper and yes, he will take his place in bondage.

Through this passionate act, Judah becomes a model for the responsibility that Jews ✡️ have to each other and to the world.

3) THE LION OF JUDAH AND TZEDAKA

The mitzvot of Tzedaka is closely related to the Lion of Judah 🦁. Tzedaka represents the responsibility of every Jew to be “his brother’s keeper” and to make a difference in the lives of others. Tzedaka literally translates to “Justice.”

It means making acts of devotion to the needs of others a central focus of one’s life. Whether it is a monetary gift or a gift of time, the power of the act of Tzedaka cannot be overstated. The Lion of Judah is a powerful symbol of this spirit of generosity 🙏 and selflessness.

4) THE LION OF JUDAH IS ALSO ON THE STYLISH LION®.

If you too are in agreement with all these values and principles, we have what you need to honor your people! We have a wide selection of Lion of Judah items for you to pick from, including

The Lion of Judah Ring (Steel): a biblically inspired piece of jewelry to brighten your style !
The Lion of Judah T-Shirt : a stylish t-shirt that pays tribute to and honors your divine beliefs with careful HD colors !

Don’t forget to share your stories about the Lion of Judah in the comments just below!