Rabbinical Commentaries concerning Tribal Characteristics of Issachar
Rabbinical Sources supplied by Rabbi David Feldman at the request of Brit-Am.
Sources Translated, Explained, and Paraphrased by Yair Davidiy.
Contents:
1. Introductory Note
2. Rabbi Noah Wizonski: A Preference for Neutrality but Formidable Warriors
3. Rabbi Aharon Bar-Shaul: Fulfillment of Public Duty, Dwelling In Valleys
4. Some Facts about Issachar
5. Rabbi Yonah Metzger: Citizen Involvement
6. Rabbi Natan Yehudah Mintsberg: Reward, Exertion, and Success
7. Rabbi Nathan. Issachar, Learning, and Healing.
8. Rabbi Tsvi Rizeman. Issachar Combines Internal and External Qualities.
9. Rabbi Fishel Miel: Issachar Strives for the Common Good
10. Yair Davidiy and Issachar
11. Finland Today/ Extracts.
12. Switzerland Today - Extracts
13. Some Reservations Concerning the Israelite Origins of the Swiss
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Tribe of Issachar today is primarily to be found among the Lost Ten Tribes. We have identified elements that settled in Finland and Switzerland as descended from Issachar. Issachar received its territory to the north of the Land of Israel. The Ten Trrbes, and Issachar among them, were taken away by the Assyrians. They lost awareness of their Hebrew Origin and eventually reached areas of Europe. Nevertheless, elements from Issachar ALSO escapted to Judah and are to be found amoing the Jewish People. Rabbinical tradition believed that many prominent Rabbinbicial Scholars descended from issachar and that these had characteristics of their own. By analysing what was said concerning Issachar within Judah we may gain insights into what to expect from those within the Lost Ten Tribes.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
2. Rabbi Noah Wizonski: A Preference for Neutrality but Formidable Warriors
Rabbi Noah Wizonski, "Akedat Yitschak,"
Concerning:
Genesis (NKJV) 49:
14 Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
15 He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves. [Hebrew: "Mas Ovayd"]
The expression translated as "a band of slaves" in Hebrew is "Mas Ovaid." Other translations render it as "forced labor."
It could refer to a type of corvee or compulsory work for limited periods.
The KJB renders it as "a servant unto tribute"
The ASV says "a servant under taskwork."
Rabbi Noah Vishonski applied the term to a public figure who dedicated himself entirely to serving others.
Deuteronomy (NKJV) 33:
18 And of Zebulun he said:
Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
And Issachar in your tents!
19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain;
There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness;
For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas
And of treasures hidden in the sand.
Two different approaches exist concernring who learn Torah which is an attribute Issachar had, i.e. in the Tents of Torah (Deuteronomy 33).
One says that Torah Scholar are not suited for Military Enterprise. Another says the opposite
===============
First Approach 1. Avoidance of Warfare
Either the Book ("Safra" in Aramaic) or the Sword ("Saifa" in Aramaic).
The Commentary Seforno says they who learn Torah are not suited for war.
Or one [i.e. Torah] or the other [i.e. the Sword] (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 7;b).
The Natziv (Ha-Emek Davar) quotes from the case of David when he called for warriors to gather unto him in Hebron:
1-Chronicles (NKJV) 12:
32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;
200 came (Chronicles 1:12) as compared to the 1000s or even 10,000s who came from the other Tribes.
Issachar had the task of determining the Calendar.
They were not warriors and unsuited for fighting.
They preferred to live in peace and not leave their domiciles to fight but rather to sit and learn Torah.
David however wanted them to fight alongside him and he did NOT absolve them from their fighting duties.
Concerning their general reluctance to join the ranks, the Natziv says this is an attribute of the donkey. He is unable to act with alacrity like a war-horse does.
A Torah scholar does not take care of himself and may appear scruffy and unkempt (Talmud, Eruvin 54).
This is considered a praiseworthy attribute in so far as it shows lack of concern with worldly matters.
===============
2nd Approach. Participation in Warfare
"Said Rabbi Elazar Ha-Modaiey, The Book and the Sword were intertwined when they descended from heaven"
(Midrash, Yalkut Shimeoni, Deuteronomy, Akev, 860).
Genesis 49:15 He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
The is translated by Onkelos, to mean, "He conquered the lands of other peoples and cut off their inhabitants."
Rashi explains:
re
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden (Genesis 49:15),
"He bowed his shoulder" -to undertake wars and to conquer princes.
"to bear a burden," They would dwell in border areas
and the enemy would be subdued by them and pay taxation.
Both Rashi and "Klei Yakar" held that all success emanates from Torah learning. Issachar learned Torah and therefore they were successful in warfare as well as other matters.
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
Both Switzerland and Finland are traditionally Neutral countries tending to avoid confrontation.
On the other hand both nations have proven themselves when aroused to defend themselves as being formidable warriors. The Fins in World War-2 fought very well agaisnt Russia with notable success despite being overwhelmingly outgunned and out-munitioned. The Swiss in the past fought against the might Austrian Empir (at the time a major world power) and conquered terriroties from it. Swiss mercenaries were also once greatly in demand throughout Europe. As a legacy from the past the Pope of Rome is still protected by his Swiss Guard.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
3. Rabbi Aharon Bar-Shaul: Fulfillment of Public Duty, Dwelling In Valleys
Rabbi Aharon Bar-Shaul, "Min HaBaer," Genesis 49, VaYechi.
Genesis (NKJV) 49:
14 Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
15 He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves. [Hebrew: "Mas Ovayd"]
This a indicates accepting the yoke of Torah and the yoke of settling the Land of Israel.
A Torah Scholar who accepts public office has all his sins forgiven. So does a bridegroom, and a convert to Judaism (Talmud Yerushalmi, Bicurim, 3;5).
Issachar dwelt on mountain tops between the valleys.
Issachar saw the Land was pleasant (Genesis 49:15).
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
The peoples of both Finland and Switzerland are noted for being conscineious regarding their public duties. Switzerland is a country valley-dwellers between the Mountains. Whether this actually invovles the majority of the population or not that is what Switzerland is noted for.
Source: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/History_of_Uri
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
4. Some Facts about Issachar
"Encyclopedia LeBayit Yisroel," Halperin.
Yissochar.
When Jacob blessed Issachar he established a bond between Issachar and Zebulon.
The Sages said that Zebulon would occupy himself with Trade and supply provisions to Issachar who learned Torah.
cf.
Deuteronomy (NKJV) 33:
18 And of Zebulun he said:
Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
And Issachar in your tents!
The Sages said, One does not find an adjudicator in Torah matters who is not either from the Tribe of Levi or of Issachar" (Talmud, Yoma 33;18). Elsewhere Judah is added.
When the Israelites came out of Egypt the Tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400 males between the ages of 20 and 60 (Numbers 1:29).
In the Second Census their numbers had increased to 65,300 (Numbers 26:25).
The Prince of Issachar was Nathanel ben Tsoar.
Issachar together with Zebulon were camped with Judah east of the Tabernacle.
The banner of Issachar was a very dark (almost black) blue. The sun and moon along with stars were depicted on it.
Issachar participated in the war of Barak and Deborah against Yavin King of Canaan (Judges ch.5).
The Judge Tolah ben Puah ben Dodo was from Issachar (Judges 9:10), so was Baashah ben Achiah king of northern Israel (1-Kings 15:27).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
5. Rabbi Yonah Metzger: Citizen Involvement
"Kanfei Yonah."
The descendants of Issachar made themselves servants to serve the rest of Israel, to teach them Torah and instruct them in its practical application.
As members of the Sanhedrin they advised the King and ruling bodies. This is also connected with the arrangement of local councils and citizen adjudication.
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
Both Switzerland and Finland are known for having a high level of citizen invovlement in public matters.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
6. Rabbi Natan Yehudah Mintsberg: Reward, Exertion, and Success
Rabbi Natan Yehudah Mintsberg, "Ben Melech, Torah."
In Genesis 30 we are told how Reuben son of Jacob and his wife Leah, found mandrakes and brought them to his mother. Rachel, sister of Leah, was also a wife of Jacob, like her sister. Rachel asked to receive the Mandrakes. Leah agreed on condition that Rachel give her the opportunity (that Rachel was about to have) to be united with their mutual husband. Consequently Jacob begat Issachar from Leah.
Genesis (NKJV) 30:
16 When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, 'You must come in to me, for I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes.' And he lay with her that night.
17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, 'God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband.' So she called his name Issachar.
Issachar was born to Leah as a reward for she having previously given her handmaiden, Zilpah, to Jacob to bear more children from (Genesis 30:9) and also because she gave the mandrakes to Rachel.
The word "reward" or "wage" in Hebrew is "sacar."
That is why the name Issachar is written in Hebrew with two times the letter "S" even though only one of them is pronounced. Lead was rewarded for her two good deeds.
Descendants of Issachar have the attribute of exerting themselves for the sake of achievement. They are able to invest time and effort in this.
That is one reason they were compared to a strong donkey.
Genesis (NKJV) 49:
14 Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
15 He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves. [Hebrew: "Mas Ovayd"]
They work to succeed and succeed because they work.
The Talmud (Yoma 27) says that all Torah Sages who know how the law is to be decided are either from the Tribe of Judah, or of Levi, or of Issachar.
Each one of these Tribes has its own way of learning:
"Judah is My lawgiver" (Psalm 60:9).. The word "my lawgiver" in Hebrew is "MeChoakaki" from the root "cHK" connoting "cut, chisel." Yehudah understands how to make definitions and to determine appropriate limitations.
Levi instinctively understands the essence of the Torah message, as it says (Deuteronomy 33:10), "They shall teach Jacob Your judgments, And Israel Your law."
Issachar understands how people perceive things. They are able to present instruction in a manner amenable to the psychology of the recipient.
1-Chronicles (NKJV) 12:
32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
Switzerland specializes in providing services in banking, etc, and taking a reward for them. Both Switzerland nor Finland have that much rare resources of their own. They tend to import what they need, process and upgrade it, and resell it. That is "reward." Switzerland is know for its international educational facilities and for proving "understanding" to students from all over the world.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
7. Rabbi Nathan. Issachar, Learning, and Healing.
In another article, we quoted from Rabbi Nathan, close follower of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav.
See:
Rabbi Nathan and the Twelve Tribes
http://www.britam.org/nathan.html
Rabbi Nathan said that the Blessing (in Orthodox Jewish Daily Prayer), "Heal Us", parallels Issachar. The Tribe of Issachar was much occupied with learning the Torah (Talmud, Yoma 26). The Torah is a healing medicine for every person.
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
We identify Issachar with Switzerland and with Finland.
Both the Swiss and the Finns have Research achievements. Switzerland is an international center for researchers. Traditionally many recipients of Nobel Prizes etc., live in Switzerland though they usually are not born there. Switzerland is also known for its medical centers and breaking-ground innovations in certain fields of healing e.g. rejuvenation.
We should also add that the populations of both Switzerland and Finland (especially the latter) have a reputation for being healthy and strong.
[I met men from Finland who were physical strong, hard workers, and very energetic. They also aged very well remaining relatively youthful in appearance.]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
8. Rabbi Tsvi Rizeman. Issachar Combines Internal and External Qualities.
"Rats Ce-Tsvi," Iyar.
Rashi: Issachar has the qualities of a donkey. He is strong and can carry heavy burdens and responsibilities in learning Torah. He can keep going with little rest.
Issachar had both spiritual and physical inclinations, both theoretical and practical.
Issachar had similarities to the Patriarch Isaac (his grandfather),
Issachar had attribute of Gevorah i.e. Heroism, Manhood. He is able to combine physical wealth with wisdom.
===============
===============
Implications for Lost Ten Tribes Identification
Both the Swiss and Fins at the common populace level may be down-to-earth peasant types. Nevertheless, they also have a tendency to produce sceintists and introspective philosophical types.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
9. Rabbi Fishel Miel: Issachar Strives for the Common Good
"Safer Shivetei Yisroel."
We are giving impressions below received from Rabbi Fishel Miel without discussing the sources and details given by him.
Issachar is likened unto a donkey. Donkies represent baseness, coarseness, and materialism.
Issachar may have something of the feminine and materialistic side usually associated with women. Nevertheless, by renouncing the negative aspects of these qualities Issachar achieves a greater degree of comprehension.
The famous Sage Rabbi Akiva was the son of a convert. Rabbi Akiva was a reincarnation of Issachar.
The Tribe of Issachar was known for the domestic harmony of its married couples.
Issachar followed after Deborah the Prophetess in war against the Canaanite King Yavin.
Issachar enabled Deborah to rule placing the common good above other considerations.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
10. Yair Davidiy and Issachar
(largely adapted from "The Tribes").
================
Descendants of Issachar
Issachar is traditionally associated with Zebulon who populated the Netherlands. The ancient Kingdom of Burgundy in East France once extended from Switzerland to the Netherlands. Descendants of both Zebulon and Issachar may have settled in this area. Switzerland was populated in part by the Alamans. Eero Ojanen (ca. 1998) wrote an article claiming that a group of Alemans in the 500s CE had made their way to Finland, conquered the land, and intermixed with the inhabitants.
There are traditional European legendary accounts stating that immigrants from Sweden or Goths settled in Switzerland. The people in question may actually have been the Skires of Issachar who had attached themselves to the Gothic forces. The Goths through Sweden are also linked to Finland.
A son of Issachar was PHUVAH (Genesis 46:13) whose children were known as Phuni or PUNI (Numbers 26:23-24). Sidon was conquered for a while by the Sakkala or Sakkara. The Sakkara were from the Tribe of Issachar and the Phoenicians received their name from PUNI the son of Issachar. In Europe, an ethnic entity of similar name was quite widely scattered: In Ireland, one has the Fenni, in Jutland (Denmark) the Phundusi, in Scandinavia the Phanones, and the Finni who neighbored the Gotones on the Baltic coast and gave their name to Finland. In the area of Austria, Hungary, and its neighborhood once dwelt a Celtic people who gave the name Pannonia to the region before moving onward apparently to Switzerland. In Switzerland according to Ptolemy prior to the Alemannic occupation were the Vennontes people, the Peone Alps and Phaniana city. In Raetia (East Switzerland) were a people named Isarci which is a permutation of the name Issachar. The southern group of Suebi [who settled in Switzerland] may be said to descend from Yashub son of Issachar.
In Finland were elements from Issachar and the southern Finnish province of Mikeli is reminiscent of MICHAEL (1-Chronicles 7:3) one of the heads of the Clans of Issachar. Two other minor sub-clans of Issachar, Yahmay (Jachmai) and Yivsam (Jibsom), brothers of Michael, may be recalled in the Finnish Provinces of Kym and Uusima, both south of Mikeli in Finland. The Finns had a tradition that they were descended from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.Their national hero, Marshall Mannerheim, in a speech is said to have once expressly referred to them as "Sons of Issachar". This may be an urban legend and not correct but it seems to be widely believed.
14 Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
15 He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became subjected to tribute." (Genesis 49:14-15).
That is how the Patriarch Jacob described Issachar. The Hebrew word for "two burdens" ("Mishpatayim") may also be translated as meaning "Between the Walls", or "boundaries", and may well imply a land-locked, mountainous area. A group of Burgundians serving in the Hun forces of Attilla were called Skirio-Burgundio and Burgundians settled in Switzerland. The name "Skirio" suggests Issachar and the Skirri-Skires of the Galatian and Gothic forces.
In Switzerland the ethnioc and place names Vennonte, Peone, and Phaniana recall Puni of Issachar.
A famous Rabbinical Commentator, Don Isaac Abarbanel (1437-1508), in his commentary on Genesis, examined all the references in Scripture and Talmudic Literature regarding the various Tribes and assembled a character description of each one.
Don Abarbanel said that Issachar loves rest. He is unwarlike and prefers to pay others to fight for him. He is a merchant by nature and lacks the "Monarchic" touch (i.e. he is a Republican) and many of his people are of a peasant's disposition and inclined to work the land. In addition, says the Don, from out of the sons of Issachar were also to emerge wise men with an aptitude for intellectual pursuits and of philosophical bent. A Talmudic source (Sifrei) says that only from the Tribes of Judah, Levi, and Issachar were destined to emerge Sages capable of determining what the Practical Application of the Law should be which implies Legalistic inclinations in both the theoretical and applicable spheres.
Switzerland has traditionally been a republic and neutral, using its financial influence to ward off enemies and somehow making it worthwhile for others to respect its neutrality. On the other hand, the ancient Swiss (Helvetii) and their medieval descendants did, on occasion, exhibit militant prowess and Swiss mercenaries at one time were the most sought after in all Europe. So too, in Biblical times, contrary to the over stressed generalization of Don Isaac Abarbanel, Issachar did prove his prowess. "The Princes of Issachar were with Deborah" in the war against the northern Canaanites (Judges 5:15). In the time of David, people from Issachar were "valiant men of might", "chief men", and "soldiers for war" (1-Chronicles 7:2-5). Similarly, little FINLAND who also received settlers from Issachar, though LIKEWISE traditionally neutral and peacable did defeat the Russians single-handedly on the battlefield. Both the Swiss and the Finns are conceived internationally as peasant types with the habit of producing individuals of considerable intellect and of a contemplative-inclination. These attributes conform with those of ISSACHAR, as indicated in Biblical works. Issachar is conceived (in the Talmud) as being the intermediary between Israel and foreigners and the Swiss are famous for their international connections and so in their own way, are the Finns. The legalistic bent ascribed to ISSACHAR is another Swiss national characteristic.
================
================
Switzerland
The Confederation of Switzerland in the modern sense was formed in 1291 when the Cantons of URI, Schwys, and Unterwalden banded together to protect themselves against the Austrians. Later, neighboring Cantons joined them. URI is a Biblical name. A master craftsman from the Tribe of Judah was a son of URI (Exodus 31; 1-6).
In the Book of Chronicles (1-Chr. 12:32) is found the expression, "And of the children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do". This was understood by the Sages (Talmud, Baba Kama 2b; Rashi on Deuteronomy 33:18) to refer to expertise in astronomical subjects and in computing the calendar, which requires great skill and precision. Monthly divisions had to co-ordinate the lunar and solar cycles, agricultural and religious needs, and be compatible with chronological purposes. The characteristics and skills of Issachar were reflected in its symbols. ISSACHAR is represented by a donkey (Genesis 49:10) and also by the sun and stars, symbolizing the celestial movements the Sons of ISSACHAR were said to observe and be experts in. An article in National Geographic (vol. 169, no.1 January 1986) is entitled, 'Switzerland: The Clockwork Country.' In a sense, the study of astronomy can be considered the study of "times". Switzerland is famous for its watches. "It works like a Swiss watch," means that it works well with reliability and precision. In one sense Swiss watches could be said to give "understanding of the times" to all the world. The characteristics for Issachar in Prophecy: mercantile, both plodding and intellectual, neutral but brave, legalistic, precise by nature and settled in a land-locked area, and internationally-connected. These qualities are all applicable to the inhabitants of Switzerland where many groups identified with Issachar indeed had settled.
In Switzerland the official languages are German, French, and Italian as well (in the southeast) as a dialect named Romansch. Professor Luis BRUNNER (1981) demonstrated that Romansch evolved from an ancient language (''Rhaetic') that was similar to Akkadian. The Akkadian language was spoken by the Assyrians who exiled the northern Tribes of Israel. A strong Israelite presence in Switzerland appears certain but other non-Israelite elements were also present and often set the tone. A work by Ivan MAGISTRINI ("Decorations Found in Traditional Artisan Craftwork in the Alps. Signs and Symbols of Oriental and Jewish Origin," 2011, Switzerland) shows that from pre-Roman times up until the present the Alpine regions of Italy and Switzerland used symbols and designs that were also known in Ancient Israel and the East. At the very least there exists a sub-stratum amongst the population that may be traced back to the Near East possibly to Israel.
The first university was established in 1460 (in medicine) at Basle. Today, Switzerland has 12 universities. The ETH University in Zurich is usually ranked the top university in continental Europe. Switzerland is well-known for its excellent educational institutions. Many foreigners pay high prices for the privilege of having their children educated in Switzerland.
The population of Switzerland is ca. 8 million, of these ca. 20% are foreigners.
================
Switzerland and the Jews.
The Darker Side of Switzerland.
Until the invasion of Napoleon in 1798 only a handful of Jews were allowed to live in Switzerland and their rights were severely restricted. After the Nazis came to power in Germany, the Swiss induced the Germans to mark the passports of Jews with the letter "J" so that they would be able to deny Jews refuge. Official figures say that 10,000 Jews attempting to escape the Germans were turned back by the Swiss authorities. The real numbers may have been twice as high or more. The Swiss did take in ca. 30,000 Jewish refugees during WW2. Even many of these refugees however were mistreated by the Swiss and treated as criminals. The assets of Jews deposited in Swiss banks and whose owners had been killed by the Germans were in effect expropriated by the Swiss and refused to their heirs.
Quite a few leading Nazis in Germany had been born in Switzerland. The numbers of qualitative significant participants of the Nazi effort are close to those of any other German province. The Swiss helped launder Nazi gold that had been stolen from Jews. Swiss companies with branches in Germany employed slave labor.
It was not however all darkness. The overwhelming majority of the Swiss population was against the Nazis and pro-British. Switzerland was surrounded by Fascists regimes and faced the real prospect of invasion and annexation.
The Swiss were prepared to defend themselves and this was a deterrent factor in their favor. The Swiss also avoided close cooperation with the Germans despite almost overwhelming pressure.
The First Zionist Congress had been held in Basel in 1897. 15 out of a total of 22 Zionist Congresses were held in Switzerland which recognized the State of Israel in 1949. Switzerland has represented Israel's interests in numerous countries.
In 1999, Ruth Dreifuss, a former Zionist youth movement member, became Switzerlands first woman president. She held office for a year.
Today (2011), about 17,000 Jews live in Switzerland. [The mother of the grandmother of Yair Davidiy, author of this work, was a Swiss citizen citizen and a Jewess.] Some 61% of the Jews live in the German-speaking part of the country and 36% in the French-speaking part.
See: 13. Some Reservations Concerning the Israelite Origins of the Swiss below.
================
================
Finland
================
The Finnish of Finland.
Finland too exhibits qualities pertinent to Issachar and Finland was also settled by part of the Tribe of Issachar as well as by other Israelites.
Lari Kemilainen gives the following insight into Finnish character:
# ... in a survey done, say, 4 years ago, it was found that Finns in general are very safety-oriented and don't want to risk what they've got: If you offer a Finn an option of getting thousand euros or a chance to get ten thousand with a 50-50 risk of getting nothing, Finns tend to take the thousand euros so they are sure to get even something. #
================
New Evidence of Finnish Israelite Origins!
Finnish Academic researchers, Pekka T. Lyyranen and Tuula-Hannele Ikonen, SOME MYTHS AND FACTS OF THE ORIGIN OF THE FINNS IN COMPARISON WITH THE ISRAELITES (2011) bring evidence indicating that the Finnish People descend from Israel.
Their evidence is based on:
a. The Opinions of early Finnish and other Scandinavian Scholars.
Early Scandinavian historians traced the Finnish People to the Tribes of Israel and/or recognized affinities between the Finnish Language and Ancient Hebrew.
e.g. The 17th century Swedish linguist, theologian, and Bishop Enevaldus Svenonius showed links between Finnish and Hebrew.
The Finnish linguist of the holy languages, theologian Daniel Juselius traced the Finns to Ancient Israel (1712).
The Swedish scholar of medicine, botanist and ornithologist Olof Rudbeck in the 17th and 18th century assumed that the Finns were "referable to the remains of the Tribes of Israel".
The Swedish nobleman and historian, Olof von Dalin, believed that the ancient Finns descended ultimately from the Lost Tribes of Israel (1745).
The Finnish historian Johannis Bilmark argued that the Finns are descendants from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, refugees from Assyria.
The Finnish historian A. G. Koranter in 1848 following research in Savo in the Eastern part of Finland argued that the Finns are descendants from ancient Israelite Tribes. His study was based on the names of places.
b. Historical Provenance.
Most of the Finns are proven to have come from the bend of the Volga near the Caspian Sea. This was an area associated with the Ten Tribes. [It was from this region that the early Israelite Scythians and Khazars first appeared.]
c. Linguistics.
In Finnish vocabulary, etc, there are traces of Hebrew.
d. Hebrew Customs.
Finnish folk-practices are similar to Hebrew or Jewish ones, e.g. the Finns kept, like Jews, Saturday as the Sabbath.
Mammi, Finnish unleavened bread, is eaten at Easter which is supposed to be at Passover.
The nomenclature of fabrics and home items reflect Hebrew or Jewish origins.
An old wedding tradition (still carried out in Finland in the 20th century) exists where the bridal couple stand under a canopy called in Finnish a huppu. This is similar to Jewish weddings where the couple also stand under a canopy called in Hebrew a huppah (chuppah).
================
Finland and the Jews.
In Finland there are ca. 1,500 Jews mostly in Helsinki. During WW2 the Jews on the whole were protected. Strong feelings of sympathy from the Finnish people for the State of Israel have been expressed. Visits to, and even the settlement of numerous Finns in Israel have taken place. On the other hand elements in Finland have been involved in missionary activity amongst Jews. Anti-Jewish Quisling Israeli and Palestinian prol-terrorist groups have also received support from Finnish governmental bodies.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Safe, happy and free: What is Finland's secret for success? (FEB 25, 2018).
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/safe-happy-and-free-what-is-finlands-secret-for-success
Extracts:
Last year, on the centenary of its independence, Finland was ranked, by assorted international indices, the most stable, the safest and the best-governed country in the world.
It was also the third wealthiest, the third least corrupt, the second most socially progressive and the third most socially just.
Finland's judicial system is the most independent in the world, its police the most trusted, its banks the soundest, its companies the second most ethical, its elections the second freest, and its citizens enjoy the highest levels of personal freedom, choice and well-being.
The Nordic country's 5.5 million inhabitants are also the third most gender-equal in the world and have the fifth lowest income inequality. Their babies are the least underweight, their kids feel the most secure, and their teens perform the second best at reading (only third at science, though).
To begin with, the geography - and its consequence, the climate. "We live," Ms Tarja Halonen, Finland's president from 2000 to 2012, says carefully, "in a cold, harsh and remote place. Every person has to work hard for themselves. But that is not always enough. You have to help your neighbours."
Mr Bruce Oreck, who served as US President Barack Obama's ambassador to Helsinki (he liked it so much he stayed), says this has been "a profound, long-term influence". He said: "It's made Finns self-reliant, private, but also dependent on a highly cooperative society where rules matter. It's cultural, but it's become part of the chemistry."
Cooperation, but also relative equality, are recurring themes. ...
Not only that, says the philosopher and professor emeritus Ilkka Niiniluoto, but the whole country is actually "a social construction created by university professors."
The academics who led the country's nationalist movement "created Finland as a nation: its language, history, literature, music, symbols, folklore. The nationalist leader was a philosophy professor".
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
12. Switzerland Today - Extracts
Why Switzerland has been ranked 'best country' in the world once again
https://www.thelocal.ch/20200115/switzerland-ranked-best
15 January 2020
Extracts:
Switzerland finds itself on the top of the rankings for the fourth year in a row, followed by Canada, Japan, Germany and Australia.
With the rankings starting off in 2016, no other country has ever been named on top.
READ: Why Switzerland always ranks as one of the best places in the world to live
Switzerland's position at the top of the rankings is due to the country's all-rounder status rather than any one metric.
Switzerland was also ranked second best in the world for conducting business and was considered the second-most trustworthy country.
Rankings of Swiss quality of life and value of citizenship were also strong, both placing at seventh in the world.
As noted by the authors of the report, 'Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled labor force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world''
'The country's strong economy is powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly-developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.'
Top Ten
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Germany
5. Australia
6. United Kingdom
7. United States
8. Sweden
9. Netherlands
10. Norway
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
13. Some Reservations Concerning the Israelite Origins of the Swiss
Switzerland does not meet all of the Ephraimite Criteria.
Unlike most other Israelite Nations we have not so far come across any tradition or native writings claiming the Swiss were of Israelite Origin. This is apart from the work of Magistini quoted above who does not emphasize any specific Israelite origin but only a general regional one from the Near and Middle East area. We may still be proven to be wrong on this point.
During World War-2 the attitude of the Swiss was helpful towards the Jews but also prejudicial. This needs further clarification. A quick perusal some years ago of the book, "Who's Who in the Third Reich," seemed to indicate that quite a few leading Nazis were of Swiss origin. [It was not uncommon for Swiss from the German-speaking regions of Switzerland to move to Germany.] Switzerland in some ways seems closer to Germany than other Israelite countries.
Switzerland today appear to have a much greater degree of Judeophobia than other Lost Ten Tribe nations.
Switzerland frequently issues condemnations of Israel. Switzerland is friendly towards Iran. Switzerland helps fund NGOs with anti-Israel terrorist-supporting agendas.
It may be that Switzerland is basically an Edomite nation with a relatively small percentage of Israelite descendants among them? Alternately most of the Israelite Peoples in Europe (including Switzerland) who do not pertain to Joseph may spiritually be more strongly under the Edomite Domain.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Switzerland
In 1998, according to the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, anti-Semitism increased in Switzerland in reaction to the then heightened scrutiny of the country's actions during the Second World War. A yearlong study found that inhibitions against the open expression of racist views had been swept away by the controversy of Switzerland's responsibility to compensate Holocaust victims for assets lost during World War II. The controversy broadened into a wide-ranging examination of Switzerland's role in the war.[15][16]
A survey from 2014 has exposed that more than one in four Swiss residents are anti-Semitic, making Switzerland's population one of the most anti-Jewish in Western Europe, according to an online report released by the Anti-Defamation League.[17] Israeli Military engagements are often blamed for spikes of antisemitism in Switzerland, such as the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict.
'