10 Av — Yahrzeit of Issachar ben Jacob Avinu

10 Av — Yahrzeit of Issachar ben Jacob Avinu

Issachar was the son of Jacob Avinu and Leah Imenu. He was one of the Twelve Tribes. According to the Ari, the soul of Jacob Avinu came from Abel, the son of Adam, while the soul of his brother Esau came from Cain, Abel's twin brother. At the time of their birth, Jacob was holding Esau's heel, thereby effectively separating Cain's positive aspect from Esau. Jacob transmitted this positive aspect of Cain to Issachar. (Sha'ar HaGilgulim, Hakdamah 38) Issachar's soul was later reincarnated in Rabbi Akiva, one of the Ten Martyrs, in order to atone for the sale of Joseph, in which Issachar had participated. Before being reincarnated as Rabbi Akiva, Issachar was reincarnated as the famous Tanna Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai. (Kitvei Ari, Sha'ar HaPesukim, Parashat Vayeitzei) When Issachar was born—on 10 Av—Leah said: “G-d has given me my reward (שכרי—s'chari) for giving my maidservant to my husband,” and the child was named Issachar (Bereishit 30:17–18) Issachar married Arida, a descendant of Eber and the younger sister of Adina, the wife of his brother Levi. Issachar and Arida had four sons: Tola, Puah, Job, and Shimron. Issachar took part in all the journeys, battles, and trials experienced by the sons of Jacob. Issachar ben Jacob died in Egypt on 10 Av in the year 2319 at the age of 122. (Yalkut Shimoni, Shemot 162). His remains were brought out of Egypt and buried in the city of Sidon, beside the grave of his brother Zebulun (in present-day Lebanon). Issachar sat and devoted himself to Torah study, while Zebulun traveled the seas [for trade] and supported Issachar (Bereishit Rabbah 72:5). Zebulun financed Issachar's Torah study and was his partner in it. Issachar's descendants were Torah scholars. (Targum Jonathan, Bereishit 46:13). Every Torah scholar who decides halachic questions comes from either the tribe of Levi or the tribe of Issachar. (Yoma 26a). Issachar's bones were buried in Sidon (currently part of Lebanon), the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar. (Sefer HaYashar, end of Joshua) May the merit of the tzadik Issachar ben Jacob Avinu protect us all, amen. (Tzadikm.com)