blogs/rabbi-huberman

When I travel, I am often approached by someone after they notice my kippah and refer to me as a”Member of the Tribe.”

No matter where we travel, on a cruise, in the air, in Europe, the Caribbean or elsewhere in North America, I have made a point of keeping my kippah on, affirming my identity—especially since October 7.

I believe that if you have something to say to me, then say it. More often than not, this leads to positive interaction. But in reality, the phrase,”Member of the Tribe,” is grossly inaccurate.

At one point, the people of Israel were comprised of 12 tribes—each with its own leadership—each specializing in a unique skill set.

Some tribes were hunters, farmers or fishers. Others were laborers, teachers or fighters. Each had a specific role within the collective identified as the Children of Israel.

Over time, these tribes have lost their individuality. The 10 tribes who lived in northern Israel were corralled by the Assyrians 2,750 years ago and were dispersed throughout the Middle East and Asia. They are known as the 10”Lost Tribes.”

Most modern Jews are descended from the area surrounding Jerusalem, which formed the southern kingdom of Judah.

You may recognize many descended from the holy Tribe of Levi who to this day carry names like Cohen, Katz, Levy or Levine. But have we unfairly relegated the idea of tribes to the history books?

Or, are we today as diverse as the 12 tribes who more than 3,000 years ago trekked through the desert, eventually settling in the Promised Land?

I believe the idea of the Jewish tribes is alive within modern Judaism—each one adding strength, diversity and perspective to Jewish identity, survival and continuity.

There are those who do not attend synagogue often, but they are dedicated to volunteerism and Tikun Olam—the healing of this imperfect world.”They are the Social Action Tribe”. 

There are those whose primary concern is to protect, strengthen and sustain the State of Israel. Many from this tribe articulate”Israel” as their number one federal election issue. They are the Israel First Tribe.

There are many who find great spiritual satisfaction in participating in regular religious services. They are part of the Davening (Prayer) Tribe.

Modern Judaism boasts many additional tribes: They include the High Holidays Only Tribe along with the”I’m not sure what I believe” tribe. There are questioners, learners and teachers. Some express their Jewish identity through the arts.

Others are engaged in public service, most notably politics, nonprofit organizations and other forms of community leadership.

And there those who attend to the business of maintaining their homes and family—ensuring the growth of this and future generations.

Many years ago, I attended a Shabbat service at the Manhattan congregation of B’nai Jeshurun led by Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein. Referring to the position of the Israelite tribes pictured above, he observed,”At one time, we had 12 tribes descending from Jacob—and although most have disappeared—the idea of Jewish tribes continues.

 Each offers a unique role—each forming a part of B’nai Yisrael—the Children of Israel.

The Cantor and I recently calculated how many of the more than 700 souls who make up our congregation attend at least one service per month. The answer was about 15 percent.

But ask each person whether they are proud and invested in their Judaism, and chances are you will get close to a 100 percent response.

This week in the Torah we begin reading the Book of Numbers—also named Bamidbar—Wilderness.

Who among us has not felt a bit lost or unsure, as—from time to time—we contemplate what it means to be Jewish?

But there is no denying we are all Jewish.

In this week’s Torah portion, God commands Moses to conduct a census of men available to engage in combat as the Israelites pass through many hostile lands on the way to the Promised Land.

If we use the reported number of 603,550 as a base, including women, children and others unable or not permitted to serve, the number of Israelites in the desert was more than 2 million.

And though each person was a member of the collective known as the Children of Israel—and God knew the answer—our Sages teach that God, through the census, wanted everyone to know they were seen. God wanted everyone to feel that they counted and were accountable.

And there were subtotals reported for each tribe:

Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Asher, Gad, Benjamin, Ephraim, Menashe.

In today’s terms, I believe that it makes no difference in God’s eyes whether we identify as Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Renewal, Reconstructionist, Jewbu, agnostic, atheist or none of the above—we stand together as Jews, each part of a common destiny.

In ancient times, each tribe offered a unique skill set. Today’s tribes contribute as well—to a common Jewish identity under one open and embracing umbrella.

Which of today’s tribes do you identify with the most?

For the Torah’s census inspires us to consider that no matter which tribe you identify with, you are part of the great Jewish story.

And every one of us, regardless of tribe, deserves to be acknowledged, celebrated—and counted.

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman