There is a Jewish deli in my old neighborhood in Brooklyn that features a special sandwich called “a member of the tribe”. It is a concoction of smoked salmon, cream cheese on a bagel or bialy (which is kinda like a bagel). To which tribe does this culinary treat belong? Perhaps the Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea? Not sure how many Huli Wigmen live in Brooklyn and consider bagels and lox a tribal specialty.
The answer of course is obvious. Like their brethren in Papua New Guinea, Jews share a long history of tribalism. Jews and their tribal forebearers have always intrigued and baffled me. This quandary is illustrated on the infrequent occasions when I attend services at my local synagogue. People who identified themselves as Kohanim, the high priests of the Temple in Jerusalem, are given a special status during prayer services. I have always wondered how these people are able to identify themselves as descendants from a priestly tribe more than two millennia old.
If genealogy is the source of Jewish tribal heritage, I am in trouble. I can barely remember the name of my father’s shtetl in the former Soviet Union, let alone try to understand if the Silvermans are descended from the same priestly tribe as the Kohanim. Clearly, if that is the case, I am manifestly disappointed. Despite my rather checked past, I knew somewhere deep in my genes I possessed the priestly touch but never acted upon it. To make amends, as of today, I am now available for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and baby namings. I do not do funerals or brises (my aim is rather poor).
I am captivated that Jews, and in particular American Jews, are descendants of a tribe. My image of tribal life and tribal members is clearly based on movies and television and their portrayal of native Americans, not some investment banker from Scarsdale taking his winter vacation on St. Barts. What makes it more confounding is that the Tanakh (Jewish sacred writings) tells of twelve tribes. Twelve tribes of Jews! I would expect that the cream of the American tribal hierarchy are the Hamptons, the Aspens, or Beverly Hills tribes. Would you want your daughter to marry someone from a tribe with no cache, e.g., the Boca Ratons? Too bad if your tribe is not one of them. Maybe one of them will make you an honorary member but have no illusions. There are tribes and then there are tribes!
While I believe that I am a secret Kohain, there is unfortunately no scientific method for proving it. According to the Chabad, there are a number of commercial DNA testing kits available that identify one’s Jewish genes, however, they do not have the ability to trace which tribe Jews are from. While family lore may say that someone is a Kohain or Levite (from the tribe of Levi), it is still only lore. It is said that Moses was a Levite. Imagine sitting through a dreadful seder and mentioning in passing that your forebearers and Moses were besties from the same tribe. The ne plus ultra in name dropping. But do not give up hope of finding your precise tribal origins. The Chabad says, “When the Messiah comes, we will all find out which tribes we are from. So, if this bit of information is important to you, do your best to hasten his arrival!” No such thing as a free lunch or tribal lineage. At least you will save money by not having to purchase a DNA kit. No spitting in a tube for you.
You do not even have to wait for the Messiah to get your tribal wish. Many years ago, there was a tear-jerker of a radio and television program, “Queen for a Day”, where overworked, improvised women competed against each other to be voted by the audience as most deserving of a prize. This concept equally applies to Jews. In this new program, “The Big Macher”, your wish to be a Kohain is granted. for a day, a week, whatever. Unlike the other program, there is no competition. No one is going to quiz you or check your papers. It is your desire that counts. Beyond achieving your newfound status as Kohain, you will probably get a wonderful round of applause from the audience. Reward and recognition in one shot.
The twelve tribes of Israel are the rubix’s cube of genealogy. They are named after Jacob’s 12 sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. The tribes eventually split. Ten tribes formed the Kingdom of Israel in the north, and two other tribes, Judah and Benjamin, established the Kingdom of Judah in the south. Alas, the tribes feuded and eventually were conquered by outside kingdoms and the tribes scattered. Ten of the original twelve tribes have been lost to history. Trying to keep ten Jewish tribes together under one Kingdom is quite a task. Imagine trying to get ten Jews to agree on anything! Most Jews today are descendant from the southern Kingdom of Judah. I always figured I had some southern soul in me.
Whatever happened to the lost tribes has been a source of great debate and conjecture. At various times, different groups have claimed to be descendants of the lost tribes. These include the Mormons, the Afghans, the Japanese, and even native Americans. One genetics researcher claims there is compelling evidence that within the Cherokee nation of American Indians, mothers and other matrilineal forbearers bear bona fide Middle East Jewish genetic markers. Who knew?
What makes Jews a tribe? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the anthropological definition of a tribe is a social organization that is defined by traditions of common descent, language, culture, and ideology. Jewish history and tradition clearly fit this definition. The Catskill mountains, “the borscht belt”, served as a reservation for many tribal New York Jews. The area was defined by dozens of hotels and bungalow colonies whose residents spoke the same language, Yiddish, shared the same religious holidays, and dietary routines (“Waiter, we need more bread!”). The bus terminal in Monticello, a large town on the Catskill reservation, even had lettering on its front window in English and Yiddish. A clear sign of tribal language.
Being a member of a tribe is way cool. The 1960s countercultural movement often invoked the image of tribalism, the collective we and they. The classic hippie play of the 60s is officially titled, “Hair: American Tribal Love-Rock Musical”. Tribalism was hip and cool. The growth and development of 60’s communes often mirrored native Americans tribal lifestyles. More importantly, tribalism was not limited to groups of young people living in Vermont or New Mexico. I was and have always been part of a tribe!
I have always admired native Americans who seek to preserve their unique tribal identities. Native American Indian powwows celebrate Indian culture through singing, dancing and music. There is a pride and dignity in their powwow performances. Many years ago, I did volunteer trail maintenance work in the Wind River Mountain Range south of Yellowstone. Our forest service representative was Native American and loved to talk about participating in powwows. He exuded an enormous sense of pride. Jews do not have powwows but we have bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and “Fiddler on the Roof “to define our cultural history through food, dance and music. A tribal experience if ever there was one.
Cultural anthropologists, such as Margret Mead, have long sought to understand the influence of tribal behavior on personality development. Jewish tribalism is no different. According to the Kabbalah, the school of Jewish mysticism and the spiritual center for show business personalities such as Madonna, Brittany Spears and Ashton Kutcher, each of the twelve tribes had their own distinctive style or path. It says that when the Jews fled Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, the sea split into twelve paths, providing a separate path for each of the twelve tribes. One sea and twelve different paths, for Jews not surprising. I am shocked if some didn’t have enough points to cross the Red Sea in business class. Maybe a little wet but better food and you could ride rather than walking. An upgrade to a camel.
As part of my immersion into Jewish tribal culture, and in keeping with the Kabbalah, here is a sampling of my favorite tribal paths and personalities: The Reubens (not the sandwich) represents powerful energy. While sounding impressive, I cannot see a tribe being called “the Reubens” – sounds like a deli, or a night at a friend’s house playing mah jonngg. The Levis are devoted to serving the higher calling or priestly service. While it sounds like a tribe of righteous intent, do I want to be known as “the dungarees”? The Judahs represent leadership and selflessness. Sounds great, a perfect fit for my talents and personality, but if there was a sample sale at Dolce and Gabbana or Valentino, would the Judahs say to their brothers and sisters, don’t worry, you can go to the sale. I am too busy being a leader. Problematic as best. The Naphtalis are free spirit personalities and characterized by independence. A chance to find a kindred soul and a good date – JDate doesn’t cut it anymore.
While diversity in tribal paths can be enlightening and offer spiritual opportunities, diversity may potentially be a wellspring for conflict between the tribes as to status and power. Let’s face it, not all tribes are created equal. This potential issue was illustrated by the comedians Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner. They had a routine in which Brooks played a 2000-year-old man and Reiner his interviewer. Inquiring about life in prehistoric times, Reiner asks, “Did you have a national anthem?” Brooks: “Each cave had a national anthem.” Reiner: “Do you remember what yours was?” Brooks: “I certainly do. You don’t forget a national anthem. ‘Let ’em all go to hell except Cave 76!’”. Substitute tribe for cave and the point is clearly illustrated. The Cave 76s of the tribal world would be a problem.
Jewish tribal origin is a fascinating story which traces its history back three millennia. Through lore and genes, we are indeed members of a tribe. A history to be acknowledged, celebrated, and cherished. We do not need a special sandwich to mark our lives and traditions.
Michael has lived an eclectic life that has ranged from managing government agencies to international banking to being a college professor. Based in New York, he has authored a number of creative non-fiction essays published in literary journals, and the author /co-editor of books on management and digital technology. It is against this backdrop that Michael uses his voice and Jewish heritage to explore the adventures of life and the insights that he has learned from them. Looking at work, family, history, and his own frailties and successes, his work combines a sharp eye, humor and some irrelevance.