The Torah, the Jewish bible, mentions seven worthy species of plants known as Shiv’at HaMinim: WHEAT, BARLEY, GRAPES, FIGS, POMEGRANTES, OLIVES and DATES. THE 7 SPECIES, individually and as a group, play significant roles in the practice of Jewish Holidays.
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Sukkot
The customs of Sukkot incorporate vivid colors, pleasant scents and meaningful rejoicing. A beautiful tradition is to hang THE 7 SPECIES in the sukkah, i.e., a temporary hut that is reminiscent of the ones used by the Jews on their way to the Land of Israel and commemorates their liberation from Egypt. The decorated sukkah and the aromatic plants create a special atmosphere that enhances the festivities.
The branches of DATE palm trees are traditionally used on the Sukkot holiday as a covering for the sukkah and for the symbolic lulav (Leran more about the lulav – one of the 4 species).
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Tu Bishvat
On Tu Bishvat, special attention is given to THE 7 SPECIES. They are abundant in the Land of Israel and in ancient times were acceptable offerings of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. These species offer an aesthetic and nutrient rich addition for creating unique cuisine.
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Shavuot
Shavuot, also called CHAG HABIKURIM, is the festival of first fruits, when the first fruits of the season – notably from THE 7 SPECIES – were brought to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Another name for Shavuot is CHAG HAKATZIR, the festival of reaping, which marks the end of the WHEAT harvest in the Land of Israel.
Megilat Ruth, the Book of Ruth, that is read on Shavuot – relates to the holiday with its description of the BARLEY and WHEAT harvest. It also unfolds the unique story of Ruth’s acceptance of the Jewish faith. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David.
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Rosh Hashana
On Rosh Hashanah, special blessings are recited over a selection of symbolic foods (Simanim) that encapsulate the new year wishes. Among them you can find representatives of THE 7 SPECIES: FIGS, POMEGRANATES, OLIVES and DATES. (Learn more about Rosh Hashanah Symbols).
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Hanukkah
Olives are listed among THE 7 SPECIES. Derived from olives, olive oil is at the heart of the holiday of Hannukah. In fact, the captivating story of Hanukkah centers around a pitcher of . . . Olive Oil. (Learn more about the Miricle of Hanukkah & try our gluten-free baked Potato Latke Patties recipe!)
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Passover
DATES, that are listed among THE 7 SPECIES, are customarily used, according to some traditions, as a key ingredient in Charoset– Passover‘s anticipated delight that is displayed on the Seder Plate.
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Shabbat
GRAPES, that are listed among THE 7 SPECIES, lend their signature taste to wine – an alcoholic drink with rich undertones and a renowned history. As such, they have a place of honor and a specific blessing in the Jewish KIDDUSH ceremony, i.e., the blessing over wine that is recited on Shabbat and Jewish Holidays.
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For more information about Jewish Holidays
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