×
Friend,    With Purim right around the corner, Sefaria is busy preparing for the “Purim bump” — the increase in users who visit Sefaria to celebrate the holiday. Last year, more than 100,000 people visited the library or used the app to connect with the holiday or read along with Megillat Esther. This year we’re expecting even more.    To help with our text and tech preparations ahead of this busy time, a generous Jewish foundation is matching all gifts to the library up to $36,000.    Please give today to help us meet your learning needs!     
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and his first with his concubine Zilpah. He was the founder of the Tribe of Gad.
Notable Sources
All Sources
A
The Ferocity of Gad
TANAKH
Gad's strength and ferocity in battle are likened to a lion ready to tear off arm and scalp. In Moses' final blessing to the tribes of Israel, he highlights Gad's prowess and victorious nature in battle.
Gad's Resilience and Victory
TANAKH
The prophecy about Gad highlights his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. In the book of Genesis, Jacob prophesies that although Gad will be raided by raiders, he will ultimately retaliate and overcome them.
The Redeemer from Gad
MIDRASH
The redeemer who will come at the end of days is believed to descend from the tribe of Gad, specifically linked to the prophecy of Elijah. The Midrash Tanchuma, a collection of homiletic teachings, explores the connection between the tribe of Gad and the future redemption.
The Symbolism of Incompleteness
KABBALAH
The potential for completeness and merit was diminished because he was a son of a maidservant, as indicated by the missing Aleph in the word 'bagad' (בגד), symbolizing a loss of completeness and a removal from the holy land. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, offers a mystical interpretation of the Torah, often delving into the deeper, esoteric meanings of biblical narratives.
The Crystal of Courage
MIDRASH
Gad's crystal stone on the Choshen symbolizes courage and divine support. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, discusses the symbolic significance of Gad's stone.
Beyond Legal Obligations
MUSAR
The tribe of Gad's actions went beyond legal obligations, showcasing exceptional righteousness and justice. In his 17th-century work, Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horovitz highlights the voluntary commitments made, emphasizing their dedication to both religious and communal responsibilities.
Bravery on the Far Bank
COMMENTARY
The decision to settle on the far bank of the Jordan River highlights remarkable bravery and strategic foresight. Rabbeinu Bahya, a medieval Jewish commentator, delves into the significance of the tribes' choice to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
Leah's Belief in Astrology
COMMENTARY
Leah believed that the birth of her son Gad was influenced by astrological signs rather than divine intervention, which had significant consequences. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a late 16th-century Yiddish commentary, provides accessible explanations and moral lessons on the Torah and Haftarot.
Gad's Unique Legacy
COMMENTARY
The tribe of Gad was uniquely protected from idolatry and played a crucial role in Torah scholarship and settling the land of Israel. The Haamek Sheilah, a 19th-century commentary, explores the spiritual and historical significance of the tribe of Gad's land allocation near Mt. Nevo.
The Mighty Warriors of Gad
COMMENTARY
Gadites were known for their exceptional military prowess and bravery, leading the Israelites into battle and causing their enemies to fall. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides insights into the role of Gadites as mighty warriors in his commentary on Deuteronomy.
Gad the Fierce Protector
COMMENTARY
Gad is compared to a lion, symbolizing his strength and the fear he instills in others. Ibn Ezra’s commentary on Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel highlights Gad's fierce and protective nature.
The Dual Blessings of Gad
COMMENTARY
Gad received dual blessings from both Jacob and Moses, emphasizing his role in executing divine justice. This text explores the historical and spiritual significance of Gad, particularly his warrior role and dedication to divine judgments.
Gad's Land Selection
COMMENTARY
Gad chose the first part of the available land of Canaan for themselves, specifically the lands formerly owned by the kingdom of Sichon and the kingdom of Og, both on the east bank of the river Jordan. The Daat Zekenim commentary explains the historical and biblical significance of Gad's choice of land east of the Jordan River.
Tribes stamp - 80 mil - Gad. Second definitive series. Inscription on tab: "Gad, a troop shall overcome him..." Genesis IL, 19. Israeli postage stamp catalog, 1956. Designer: G. Hamori
Tribes stamp - 80 mil - Gad. Second definitive series. Inscription on tab: "Gad, a troop shall overcome him..." Genesis IL, 19. Israeli postage stamp catalog, 1956. Designer: G. Hamori
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible on our site. Click OK to continue using Sefaria. Learn More.OKאנחנו משתמשים ב"עוגיות" כדי לתת למשתמשים את חוויית השימוש הטובה ביותר.קראו עוד בנושאלחצו כאן לאישור