The Fundamental Significance of the Seven Species
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz One year, I was doing my reserve duty in the Negev on a small base. On Friday night, I was guarding the front gate. To pass the time, I began learning about Bikkurim, the first fruits which are brought as an offering in the Temple. The sages...
What is Tu B’Shevat?
Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for the Trees, is considered a minor festival in Judaism. There is no reference to the holiday of Tu B’Shevat in the Bible, but the Mishna (Rosh Hashana 1:1) notes that there are four distinctive New Years in the Jewish calendar:...
The date is a symbol of strength and righteousness
The date is one of the seven special species of the Land of Israel (Deuteronomy 8:8). Like each of the other species, the date, which grows from a palm tree, is also symbolic of the People of Israel. The Sages teach that the palm tree is unique, in that every part of...
What do Noah’s ark, the Temple lamp and anointing oil have in common?
The first time the olive tree is mentioned in the Bible is when Noah checked to see if the flood waters had receded. After the rain stopped falling, Noah waited until after the tops of the mountains became visible, and then sent a dove from the ark to check if the...Related Content
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