We begin Bamidbar, a new book of the Torah with the journey of the Children of Israel in the desert. The tribes camped in a square, with three tribes on each side surrounding the mishkan, the sanctuary which housed the Holy Ark.

The Torah says: V'hachonim Kedmah Mizracha - and those who encamped, to the front, to the east.. were Yehuda, Yissochar and Zevulun. They camped side by side on the east - and they were the three tribes who went "Kadimah" -- forward first - as they always embarked first as they led all the tribes eastward.

Yehudah the lion stood for malchus -- kingship. A king provides for his subjects. He leads them by guiding them with strength and belief in his cause. For example, Nachshon ben Aminodov, of the tribe of Yehudah- was the first to jump into the sea- and the sea split. He believed in Hashem - and he showed his leadership by going forward with strength, conviction and faith.

The tribe of Yissachor had as its symbol the donkey -- the beast of burden. It represents scholarship, and knowledge of Torah, which he carried on his shoulders -- they were both scholars and teachers.

Zevulun' s symbol was the ship - as they were the businessman who entered into a partnership with Yissochar-: Zevulun would support Yissachar financially, and Yissachar would teach Torah to Zevulun's children.

These three tribes represent tribe leadership in Israel. Judah- strength of belief, Yissachar- Torah study, Zevulun - support for Torah. When you go forward in your life, and make decisions, try to be like these three tribes. Go forward with belief in Hashem - and strong faith; learn the Torah and be proud of our Jewish values; and may we always have the financial help to finance our Jewish way of life and be able to serve Hashem