Question
What were the symbols of the Tribes of Israel?
Answer
According to the Midrash (on Num. 1:52 and 2:2), the symbols of the tribes which were embroidered on their banners were as follows: Reuven: Mandrake. Shimon: City of Shechem. Levi: Urim and Tumim. Yehudah: Lion. Yissachar: Sun and moon. Zevulun: Ship. Dan: Snake. Naphtali: Deer. Gad: Camp. Asher: Olive tree. Ephrayim: Bullock. Menasheh: Wild ox. Binyamin: Wolf.