In ancient times,
Israelite farmers would conduct pilgrimages to Jerusalem during the
beginning of the harvest seasons. As the crops ripened, the first of
each species would not be consumed; but instead, the Israelites would
tie a binding around the branches and bring it to the Holy Temple as
an offering.This binding
signified that these were “Bikkurim” or the First Fruit Offering.
Israel has seven
native species, which are: barley, wheat, pomegranate, grapes,
figs, dates, and olives. In First
Harvest, the seven species are symbolized by adding the four wheat
shafts plus the two olive branches and the single binding.
From a numerological perspective, you may observe
that there are eighteen olives in First
Harvest.The number
eighteen symbolizes life or "chai" in Jewish Numerology
"Let
us rejoice in the Mitzvahof
the shaking of
the Lulav and Etrog together
on Sukkot.
This ritual, once performed by
Kohanim Priests who worshipped
in the Holy Temple
in the days of antiquity
acknowledges our diversity,proclaims
our unity, and makes
us a stronger and wiser people."
--
Anne R. Steinman
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This Site was last updated by Anne
Steinman on
Sunday April 18, 2010