A Lion’s Tale

Question

Dear Rabbi,

I am puzzled about the symbolic nature of lions in Judaism. I recently saw a Synagogue with lions on the Ark’s curtains on either side of the Ten Commandments. I would like to understand this practice. Also, I wonder why it isn’t distasteful having the Ten Commandments surrounded by non-kosher animals.

Thanks!

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    You are correct that the lion is not kosher, as is the case with many animals whose ferocious or predatory nature opposes Jewish values, and which we must refrain from ingesting within our personalities. That being said, the lion possesses characteristics that may be harnessed and emulated in order to make a positive change in oneself and the world around us.

    For example, our Sages teach in Pirkei Avot 5:20 that a person should be “strong like a lion to do the will of God.” This means that a person should strive to possess the resolve and conviction to withstand temptation and to hold firm to commitments and obligations.

    In addition, the lion, as “king of the beasts,” is the symbol for Judah, as the verse states, “A cub and a grown lion is Judah. From the prey, my son, you withdrew. He crouched, rested like a lion, and like a lion, who will rouse him? The royal scepter shall not depart from Judah… (Genesis 49:9-10)

    Judah and his offspring, including King David and King Solomon, were blessed to be leaders of the Jewish People. Their roles were to unite the nation and guide it to follow the ways of the Creator to live personal and national lives filled with the elevated Monotheistic moral values of Judaism. There is a tradition that from this majestic lineage, the Mashiach (Messiah) will emerge. Hopefully, very soon!

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team