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Numbers 26:44 - Tribal roots define identity?

Numbers 26:44 - במדבר 26:44

Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי אָשֵׁר לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְיִמְנָה מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיִּמְנָה לְיִשְׁוִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיִּשְׁוִי לִבְרִיעָה מִשְׁפַּחַת הַבְּרִיעִי׃

English Translation

Of the children of Asher after their families: of Yimna the family of the Yimna: of Yishvi, the family of the Yishvi: of Beri῾a, the family of the Beri῾i.

Transliteration

Bnei Asher lemishpechotam, leYimna mishpachat haYimna, leYishvi mishpachat haYishvi, livRia mishpachat haBri'i.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֣י אָשֵׁר֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְיִמְנָ֗ה מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַיִּמְנָ֔ה לְיִשְׁוִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיִּשְׁוִ֑י לִבְרִיעָ֕ה מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַבְּרִיעִֽי׃
בְּנֵ֣י אָשֵׁר֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְיִמְנָ֗ה מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַיִּמְנָ֔ה לְיִשְׁוִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיִּשְׁוִ֑י לִבְרִיעָ֕ה מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַבְּרִיעִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 26:44) lists the families of the tribe of Asher, detailing their lineage and subdivisions. This enumeration appears in the context of the census taken in the wilderness before the Israelites entered Eretz Yisrael. The names mentioned—Yimna, Yishvi, and Beri'a—represent the descendants of Asher, each forming distinct mishpachot (families or clans).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:44) explains that these names correspond to the sons of Asher mentioned earlier in Bereishit 46:17. He notes that the Torah here lists only three families, whereas in Bereishit, four sons of Asher are mentioned (Yimna, Yishvi, Yishvi, and Serach). Rashi resolves this by stating that one of the sons (Serach) did not have male descendants, so only three families emerged from Asher's lineage.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) elaborates on the significance of these names:

  • Yimna (ימְנָה) – Derived from the root yamin (right), symbolizing strength and blessing, as the right side is often associated with favor in Jewish tradition.
  • Yishvi (יִשְׁוִי) – Related to the word shaveh (equal), suggesting balance and fairness in character.
  • Beri'a (בְּרִיעָה) – From the root bara (to create), indicating creativity or distinction in their deeds.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh 11:16) emphasize the importance of lineage and tribal identity in Jewish tradition. The meticulous recording of family names underscores the divine wisdom in preserving the unique roles of each tribe in Klal Yisrael.

Practical Implications

The listing of families served multiple purposes:

  • Inheritance – Ensuring proper allocation of land in Eretz Yisrael based on tribal and family lineage (Bamidbar 26:53-56).
  • Identity – Maintaining the distinct spiritual qualities and missions of each family within the tribe of Asher.
  • Historical Record – Preserving the integrity of Jewish genealogy, a cornerstone of Torah tradition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:44 mean?
A: Numbers 26:44 lists the families of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It mentions three main families descended from Asher: the Yimna, Yishvi, and Beri'a families. This verse is part of a larger census taken in the wilderness to count the Israelites by their families and tribes, as commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why is the tribe of Asher important in the Torah?
A: The tribe of Asher is important because it is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the son of Jacob (Yaakov). Each tribe had a unique role and inheritance in the Land of Israel. Asher's descendants were blessed with fertile land (Genesis 49:20) and were known for their prosperity. The counting of their families in this verse emphasizes their place among the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the listing of families in Numbers 26:44?
A: We learn the importance of family lineage (yichus) and tribal identity in Judaism. The Torah carefully records each family to show that every individual and family has a unique role within the nation. Rashi explains that these details highlight the divine love for the Jewish people, as Hashem counts them like a treasured possession.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish identity today?
A: While tribal identities are not as clearly defined today, this verse reminds us of the value of preserving Jewish family heritage and continuity. The Midrash teaches that knowing one's roots strengthens faith and connection to the Jewish people. Many Jews today still trace their lineage to the tribes, particularly through traditions passed down in their families.
Q: Why are the family names repeated twice in this verse?
A: The repetition (e.g., 'Yimna the family of the Yimna') emphasizes the direct lineage from the ancestor to the family group. This style is common in Torah genealogies to confirm authenticity. Ramban explains that it also signifies the enduring nature of these families, ensuring their legacy within the tribe of Asher.