The-Seven-Species
-hebraicstudies.net-
Please do NOT visit this
site on שַׁבָּת - Shabbat or on
the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts!
Re Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I may use any of three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish
Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), three brilliant versions, However, the
JPS-1917 is my preferred version!
Colour coded
details of our beloved TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history
of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some
alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’
of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it
once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
YYYYYYY
Remember the following truth from our
beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may
keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
YYYYYYY
With Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Did you realise that the seven species found
in
Let us first read דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy Chapter 8: Verses 6-10.
6. “And thou shalt keep the Commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha (God), to walk in His ways, and to fear Him. 7. For יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths, springing forth in valleys and hills; 8. a land of ‘wheat’ and ‘barley’, and ‘vines’ and ‘fig-trees’ and ‘pomegranates’; a land of ‘olive-trees’ and ‘honey’; 9. a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. 10. And thou shalt eat and be satisfied, and bless יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha for the good land which He hath given thee”.
The
The praise of the
Seven
Special Fruits
Our ultimate trust in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is expressed through the serene environment where (I Kings
5:5): “
Moreover, the offerings of the ‘Bikkurim’ (first
fruits) brought to the
The fact is, that the flowering and fruiting of the seven species actually takes place between ‘Passover’ and ‘Shavuot’, a season depending on the delicate balance between contradictory forces of nature.
This season is characterized by climatic contrasts between extreme dryness and heat on the one hand and cold storms on the other, which could easily be misconceived as battles between opposing deities. Therefore, the seven species are selected to reaffirm our pure faith in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim through our expressing thanks to the One and only אֱלֹהִים - Elohim specifically for the fruits of the Land.
The flowering and fruiting of the seven species parallel our own spiritual development during the season between Passover and Shavuot, characterized by self-improvement and preparation for receiving the Torah. As we count the Omer during the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, we turn to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim in repentance and prayer. Since the fruiting of the seven fruits is linked to our own spiritual achievement, it is not surprising that these seven kinds comprise a wealth of spiritual ‘attributes’, ‘nutrients’, and ‘medicinal properties’.
1.
Wheat:
Wheat corresponds to ‘chesed’ (kindness), the characteristic of chesed is expansion, to reach out and extend oneself toward others. Wheat likewise reflects the nourishing food of kindness and to this day remains our main sustaining food staple. According to the renowned rabbi and physician ‘Maimonides’, wheat strengthens the body and increases mother’s milk, the ultimate nourishment and expression of chesed.
2.
Barley:
Barley corresponds to ‘gevura’ (restraint). Its characteristic is contraction, reduction, and setting boundaries. This is reflected by each barley seed being enclosed in a strong hull (boundary) which remains intact even during threshing. Due to its contracting quality, barley is highly effective in reducing liquid when added to soup. A recent study by the FDA evidenced that barley reduces cholesterol and risk of coronary disease.
3.
Grapes:
Grapes grow in beautiful clusters and correspond to ‘tiferet’ (beauty). This trait is characterized by the balance between its different and sometimes contrary components. Since ‘tiferet’ is the perfect balance between ‘chesed’ and ‘gevura’, grapes include both nourishing and eliminating qualities.
Grape-seed oil nourishes the skin, while also containing a very high content of antioxidants that help in eliminating free radicals. Grapes possess a diuretic quality, yet they are very nutritive replete with vitamins A, B, and C, while also treating blood and energy deficiency.
4.
Figs:
Figs correspond to ‘netzach’ (endurance), which engenders longevity. The fig tree reflects everlasting fruitfulness as it has one of the longest periods of ripening, spanning more than three months. It has been explained that we need to watch the fig tree very carefully by picking its figs daily, since they ripen one after the other; likewise we need to observe our worthy teachers daily in order to glean the fruits of their wisdom. According to ‘Maimonides’, “Figs, grapes and almonds are always the best fruits whether they are fresh or dried”. ‘Maimonides’ also taught that figs alleviate constipation, which is one of the main tenets of longevity and health. Figs may benefit the elderly by strengthening the blood and arousing vitality.
Modern science affirms the nutritional benefits of figs: they are very rich in minerals, especially ‘potassium’, ‘iron’, and ‘calcium’, and they contain ‘omega-3’ and ‘omega-6 fatty acids’. Figs also contain ‘phytosterols’, which inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol, thus decreasing the total levels of cholesterol. Moreover, they may help prevent certain types of cancers.
5.
Pomegranates:
The pomegranate is a very beautiful and a majestic fruit, even has a crown. It corresponds to ‘hod’, which means majesty and glory. ‘Hod’ is also related to the Hebrew word ‘toda’ which means ‘thanks’ and ‘recognition’.
‘Hod’ also corresponds to our immune system. A healthy immune system is able to recognize our friends from our foes, and pomegranates boost our immune system. Pomegranate seed oil causes cancer cells to self-destruct; the juice of the fruit is toxic to most breast cancer cells, yet has almost no effect on healthy cells. Pomegranate juice has also been proven to decrease heart disease by decreasing LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and increased HDL (“good cholesterol”).
6.
Olives:
Olive oil corresponds to ‘yesod’ (foundation). Olive oil is the foundation of most Mediterranean foods. Again the great ‘Maimonides’ explains that ‘olive oil’ cleanses the liver and loosens stools. Drinking a teaspoon of olive oil every morning before eating can help prevent stones in the urinary tract. Olive oil protects against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, and has strong anti-bacterial properties. It also contains several antioxidants to help fight cancer. Thus olive oil can truly be called the foundation (‘yesod’) of life.
7.
Dates;
Dates correspond to ‘malchut’ (kingdom). Malchut is the channel that allows everything to manifest below. Therefore ‘malchut’ is connected with the digestive system. We are taught that dates heal intestinal illnesses.
The Palm Tree has no waste, its hearts are
used for prayer (lulav), its fronds for shade, its fibbers for ropes, its twigs
for a sieve, and its beams for houses. Likewise the people of
Perfecting
the World:
The Torah’s mention of the ‘seven species’ is
not incidental. Rather, these foods are central to the Hebrew spiritual path
that endeavours to elevate the physical through intentional living. Eating the
seven species in a conscious way can promote our well-being, help us connect to
the
YYYYYYY
Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down
the page!
This site was originally created, for those
who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work
on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and
always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance,
for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He!
However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of
studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following through a number of our prophets...
“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”,
For Elohim is the One who
gave us our ... “Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace
of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts, be with
you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as
the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your
daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food
and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom
Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Enter ...