Genesis Panel 6: Jacob's Ladder

Ladder & Angels

A vision from a dream: Jacob lies sleeping as a ladder rises to the heavens, angels climbing up and down. Each angel represents a future exile the Jewish people will face.

Through hidden codes and gematria (Hebrew numerology), we learn how long each exile lasted:

• Babylon – 70 years

• Persia – 52 years

• Greece – 120 years (noted with the word Jasak, meaning "strength")

One angel remains hidden, draped in a Tallit (prayer shawl)—this is Rome, the exile still unfolding.

Sapphires & Emerald

Thirteen sapphires glimmer on the ladder, for God’s 13 attributes of mercy. A single emerald reminds us of His unity.

Jacob & Twelve golden squares

In the lower right corner, Jacob stands before the Western Wall. He covers his left hand with his right, showing the desire to give over the urge to receive. At his feet are twelve golden squares—the twelve tribes.

613 commandments.

Even the fringes of his prayer shawl hold meaning: five knots, eight threads—together, 613 commandments.

A dream that reaches heaven, but keeps its feet firmly on sacred ground.