What Is The Significance Of The "Sheva Minim" - The 7 Species? | Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Beit Midrash

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Berachot - Blessings

קטגוריה משנית

Parashat Hashavua Series'Library Piskei Din (Hebrew)Test Yourself

For Hashem is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys & hills, a land of wheat & barley, vines & fig trees & pomegranates, olive trees & (date) honey." These are the 7 species that the Land of Israel is blessed with. Bikkurim-first fruits are brought only from these 7. Six grow wild in Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives & dates; the origin of the pomegranate is not known. The order in which they appear in the pasuk is the order in which they ripen. These species constituted the basis of the economy in antiquity. In the 16th century the Kabbalists of Tzfat created the Tu B'Shevat €œSeder, € during which they ate these fruits, recited verses & sang in praise of Israel. Each fruit connects to a higher value. For example, grapes symbolize peace, tranquility & eternal life. The fig symbolizes vitality, passion, temptation and wisdom; the pomegranate beauty, love, fertility & abundance; the date honesty, justice, independence & victory.

TORAH TRIVIA: We asked what connects the following Mitzvot: Tefilin, Mezuza, Tzitzit, Brit Mila, Shabbat, the Yamim Tovim? Answer: These are all called an Ot, a sign that distinguishes us as Jews. LP knew. Now, in honor of the 7 species, which have been used Jewishly or globally as measurements?

Berachot - Blessings