Summer is coming to an end.
Jerusalem
nights are cooler and days grow shorter. The end of the summer
is also a harbinger of the new fruits which signify the change
of season and start of a new year.
In another week - October 2nd - Jews around the world will celebrate Rosh
Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5777, with a festive family meal. The pomegranate
will make an appearance on the table along with apples and honey and other
traditional foods as we bless a sweet and fruitful new year.
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| Black Pomegranates last week |
Olive trees are are also weighed down with fruit which will be harvested in another
month when the country celebrates its olive festivals. Ripe pomegranates are
hanging on the trees and fresh juice is being sold all around the old
city
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| Red Pomegranates in Yemin Moshe Last week |
Although the pomegranate is an ancient symbol steeped in tradition, it has
re-emerged in contemporary culture, not only because of its beauty and rich
history, but because the pomegranate is desirable for its healthy, antioxidant
qualities. The word pomegranate, "rimon" or granade in Hebrew,
is derived from the Latin words "pomum" (apple) and
"granatus" (seeded). Grown in the Mediterranean region for several
thousand years, this remarkable fruit is rich in symbolism and there are
specific references to the pomegranate in the Bible. Together with the olive,
grape, fig, date, wheat and barley, it is one of the 7 species of the
Land
of Israel mentioned in
Deuteronomy 8-8.
Exodus 28:33-34 states that images of pomegranates be woven into the hem of
the robe worn by the High Priest in the Temple.
Pomegranates can also be found in the Bible in I Kings 7:13-22, where the fruit
is depicted on the capitals of the two pillars which stood in front of the
temple.
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| First Temple (?)Ivory Pomegranate Israel Museum |
In Christianity paintings of the
Madonna and Child prominently display the fruit - a symbol of the
resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Ancient Egyptians were buried
with pomegranates in hope of rebirth.
Pomegranates in Islam are a symbol of harvest, wealth and
wellness. The writings of the Quran refer to the fruit in three different
instances and each time giving the sense that it's talking about a great
harvest, land of plenty and being good stewards of what has been provided.
Whatever you believe, one thing is certain, olives and pomegranates are
important part of the landscape of this land and I, for one, am very happy.
