The Seven Species
While the Land of Israel is blessed with many fruits, the seven described in the Biblical verse, below, had a special status -- they were the First Fruits brought to the Temple on Shavuot, and given as an offering to God. As such, they symbolize the Land of Israel and the connection between the Jewish people and this land. Five of the seven spieces are Fruit trees and Zo Artzeinu focuses on planting all five of them. Olives, Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates and Date trees.
Omer period that began on Pesach
Man has been cultivating grapes from the earliest times: the first vineyard mentioned in the Bible was planted by Noah after the Flood. The cluster of grapes, brought to the Children of Israel in the wilderness by the Spies, symbolized the bounty of the Land of Israel. Throughout the generations, grapes have provided fruit and wine, and contributed to the economy of the indigenous Jewish community. Wine, indicative of joy, is used in many Jewish rituals and ceremonies.
POMEGRANATE - Rimon
An old Hebrew song by Yaakov Orland portrays the pomegranate: The pomegranate tree has aromas that flow out from the Dead Sea and on to Jericho. . . The pomegranate is a dark red fruit with rich red flowers, and its abundant seeds serve as a powerful symbol of fertility.
The pomegranate's shape has been used in many decorative objects, such as the rimonim bells used to decorate Torah scrolls, the 200 rimonim of copper on the beams of the Temple, and the rimonim which decorated the High Priest's garment in the Temple.
OLIVE - Zayit
The olive tree is one of the oldest and most common trees in the Land of Israel. Indeed, there are olive trees in the Galilee that are estimated to be thousands of years old. The tree's leaves are green all year round, its roots are strong, and the silvery underside of the leaves gives off a sheen of light.
In Biblical times, olive oil was used to anoint priests and kings. In its purified form it was used to light the seven-branched Menorah (candelabra) in the Temple. The olive itself is eaten after having been preserved. Its oil is also used for cosmetics, healing compounds, and soaps
Although we can't bring Bikurim to the Temple yet, we CAN plant fruit trees!
G-d willing the fruits from THOSE trees will be brought to the 3rd Temple!
Plant a fruit tree from one of the Seven Species mentioned in the torah (Bible)
Dedicate your tree in honor or memory of a friend or loved one.
We will mail them an authentic certificate with the printed dedication.
Makes a wonderful and meaningful gift.
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