The Hadassah Synagogue, the Hebrew University Medical Center, was built to commemorate the hospital's 50th anniversary on February 6, 1962. The synagogue's central design features 12 stained-glass windows dedicated to the 12 tribes of Israel.

The series of lithographs, "The 12 Tribes of Israel," was printed, like most of Chagall's works, in the studio of Fernand Mourlot. The artist continually advanced his technical techniques, experimenting with both materials and color. He was assisted in his work by the engravers Charles Sorlier and Georgy Sagorin.