"Wherever I go, I am on my way to Yerushalayim."
This oft-quoted sentiment is famously attributed to Rebbi Nachman of Breslov.
This remarkable notion of living every moment of our lives inspired by the quest for the holiness, enthusiasm, and joy of all that Yerushalayim embodies, has a much earlier precedent in Jewish history.
As the nation begins their trek towards the promised land, the twelve tribes are directed to travel within four encampments, consisting of three tribes within each division, encircling the Sanctuary that was the focal point of all their journeys.
Each tribe brought their distinct role and qualities to this joint effort, signified by the דגלים — flags each with its unique insignia reflecting the blessings conferred by Yaakov and Moshe on each of the tribes.
The tribe of Zevulun was the third tribe within the leading encampment that also consisted of Yehuda and Yissachar respectively.
On his flag an image of a ship was imprinted relating to Yaakov's blessing, 'Zevulun shall settle by seashores. He shall be at the ship's harbor, and his last border will reach Tzidon.'
Moshe, expounding on this blessing, adds, 'They shall summon nations to the mountain and there they shall offer righteous sacrifice.'
Rashi elucidates how exactly they will 'summon': Through Zevulun’s commerce, merchants of the world’s nations will come to his land. Now Zevulun is located at the border, so these merchants will say, “Since we have taken so much trouble to reach here, let us go to Jerusalem and see what the G-d of this nation is like and what they do.” And they see all Israel worshipping one G-d… and they will be astonished], because [among] the nations, the deity of one is not like the deity of another… So, they will say, “There is no nation as worthy as this one!” Consequently, they will convert to Judaism there, as our verse says, “there, they will offer up righteous sacrifices” [and all of this will be due to Zebulun’s commerce].
Zevulun is portrayed here as the vehicle through whom the ultimate prophecy of Yeshayahu of how 'at the end of the days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be firmly established at the top of the mountains, and it shall be raised above the hills, and all the nations shall stream to it' will be fulfilled (Yeshayahu 2 2)
Out of all the tribes, Zevulun alone was destined to travel the world, bringing the message of 'Yerushalayim' in all his business engagements, arousing among humanity at large the inspiration in that message of truth and purity, to bring them all home.
Wherever Zevulun went he was going to Yerushalayim!
There is a tradition recorded by the Arizal and the Vilna Gaon that the twelve tribes correspond to the twelve months. It follows the order of the tribes in how they are listed in the portion describing the encampments and their flags.
Zevulun is listed third in the first division that begins with Yehuda and Yissachar.
The third month is Sivan. It is the month the Torah was given in.
This month doesn't correspond to Yehuda the מחקק — the supreme legislator, nor Yissachar who abides באהלך — in the tents; the study hall, but rather the one who in every aspect of his engagement of life exudes the inspiration of ציון — Yerushalayim, from where, תצא תורה — the Torah and its enlightenment will go forth to illuminate the entire universe.
To discover the deeper essence of Yerushalayim, and how it impacts and enthuses our lives on a constant basis, please join us together with the many other Shuls who have co-sponsored our Yom Yerushalayim Shabbos symposium this Shabbos.
Looking forward to your accompanying us on this magnificent journey that will bring us all home!
באהבה,
צבי יהודה טייכמאן
