Shimon: Tribe of Av

Exploring the tribe of Shimon, associated with the Jewish month of Av

Photo by Lucas Fonquernie on Unsplash

Shimon (שִׁמְעֽוֹן), also known as Simon and Simeon, is the second son of Jacob and Leah. His name alludes to the word for “hearing” in Hebrew, as Leah said in Genesis 29, “because the Eternal has heard that I am hated, Zhe has given me this son too.” His story is often one of the wielding of strength, the tarot card associated with the month.

He is best known for the story of Genesis 34, called the “rape of Dinah.”  This difficult portion of the Torah often leaves many wondering if they want to hear more. It is appropriate with this and the root of Simeon’s name that the sense associated with the month is hearing. Although in my interpretation the “rape” of Dinah is committed by her brothers who murder her beloved and his family and cause her horrific trauma.