In Parashat Tetzaveh, the Torah describes the Choshen Mishpat (the High Priest’s breastplate), which featured twelve gems, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The English names of two of these stones, sapphire and jasper, directly correspond to their Hebrew equivalents found in this parasha.
Sapphire (Sapir – סַפִּיר):
The Hebrew term "sapir" is the source of the English word sapphire. The sapir represened the tribe of Issachar, known for its wisdom and scholarship. In both Hebrew and English, the term refers to a precious blue gemstone. In English history, sapphire has symbolized nobility, loyalty, and wisdom, exemplified in famous jewelry, such as Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. The largest star sapphire ever to have been mined, the Star of Adam, was discovered in Sri Lanka in 2015. It is named the Star of Adam because of the Muslim belief that Adam went to Sri Lanka after having been expelled from Gan Eden.
Jasper (Yashfeh – יָשְׁפֵה):
Yashfeh, the Hebrew word for jasper, is linked to the English jasper, a precious stone that comes in various colors, often green or reddish. In the Choshen, his stone is believed to represent the tribe of Benjamin, symbolizing stability and strength. The jasper was positioned as the third stone in the fourth row of the High Priest’s breastplate.