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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ekev
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Tu Bishvat
- The land of Israel and its Fruit
Answer: "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills, and a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and (date) honey." Our Sedra mentions the 7 species that the Land of Israel is blessed with. The term "7 species" is not mentioned in the Torah; this is a post-biblical expression: Bikkurim-first fruits are brought only from these seven. Six of the seven grow wild in Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives and dates; the origin of the pomegranate is not known. The seven species ripen throughout the year; the order in which they appear in the biblical verse is also the order in which they ripen. The seven species constituted the basis of the economy in antiquity and great importance was ascribed to their fruit: they could be eaten fresh, stored and preserved for long periods, dried (figs, dates and grapes) and crushed (olives), and they could also be processed for products such as oil and wine.
In the 16th century the Kabbalists of Tzfat began celebrations of the "Tu B’Shevat Seder," during which they ate fruit, recited verses and sang songs in praise of Israel. There is no set version to the "Tu B’Shevat Seder" and dozens of variations are available. The seven species were frequently used as decorative motifs in synagogues and commonplace objects in early Jewish art. They appear on coins, seals, rings, lamps, jewelry, glass vessels, coffins, etc. Wheat and barley symbolize tilling the soil and agricultural prosperity, the basis of existence and the hope for a source of sustenance on a personal and national level alike. Grapes symbolize peace, tranquility and eternal life. The vine and its fruit symbolize the abundance of the land, as it is depicted in the description of the spies who carried a cluster of grapes on their shoulders. The fig symbolizes vitality, passion, temptation and wisdom. The Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden is oftentimes identified with the fig tree. The pomegranate symbolizes beauty, love, fertility and abundance. The fruit of the pomegranate, packed with juice and a multitude of seeds, was a symbol for beauty, fertility and abundance. The olive, being a tree that is green year-round, is closely tied to the Land of Israel, its habitat. The olive is a metaphor for beauty, fertility and robustness, and it symbolizes peace and hope, wisdom and happiness. The date-palm, one of the most ancient trees in Israel, was a key element in the economy of the region’s residents. The date symbolizes honesty, justice, independence and victory.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
