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Seven FruitS oF iSrael

Wheat

Barley

Grapes

Figs

Pomegranates

Olive Oil

Dates

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good landa land with brooks,
streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with
wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a
land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land
where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
Deuteronomy 8:79

Shalom.
One of the best parts of my role with the International Fellowship
of Christians and Jews is getting to introduce friends like you to the
beauty and wonders of the land of Israel. So it is a true joy and
delight for me to share with you this book of recipes and devotions
that I wrote from here in the Holy Land.
Deuteronomy 8:8 says that Israel was a land with wheat and barley,
vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and [date] honey. These
seven foodstwo grains and five fruitsare known in Jewish teaching
as the seven fruits (Hebrew: Shivat HaMinim), which are mentioned
as being special products of the Holy Land. For thousands of years,
even in exile, the seven fruits have played an important role in the diet
of the Jewish people and in the religious traditions of Judaism.
God made a promise to Israel that when they returned to the land,
the desert would bloom (Isaiah 35:1). I see this every day. Often
when I pick a fruit to eat, I recite a blessing over it and reflect on
how blessed I am to be eating the fruits of Israelsomething my
ancestors could only dream about through 2,000 years of exile!
The seven fruits are traditionally eaten on Tu BShvat, the Jewish New
Year for Trees; on Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles or Booths; and
on Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks. In halakha (Jewish law), the seven
fruits are considered more special than other fruits. As you will learn
in this booklet, each one of the Seven fruits of Israel represent a
unique attribute of God and deserves a special berakhah (blessing) to
be recited over them.
I hope this brief background on the history and spiritual significance
of the seven fruits will make this booklet useful as a cookbook and as
a starting point for spiritual reflection. Thank you for your interest in
the land and the people of Israelthe land and people of the Bible!
With blessings from the Holy Land,

Yael Eckstein
Senior Vice-President
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
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Gods Unfailing Love for Israel

He grants peace to your borders and
satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
Psalm 147:14

The first of the seven fruits of the land listed in

Deuteronomy 8:8 is wheat (Hebrew: chitah).
Wheat was an important crop in ancient Israel,
and today it is still one of the staples of the
Jewish diet. The Negev area, where most of
our wheat crops are grown, is known as the
breadbasket of Israel.
In Psalm 147, God promises His gracious
provision in the supply of the finest of wheat,
a promise that speaks to His goodness and loving care for us. In this
verse He assures us of the abundance He will provide and the safety He
alone brings through peace. This promise is so comforting to us here in
Israel, where the threats of terrorism and war are always present.
When you jump ahead in Psalm 147 to verse 11, you find a reference
to Gods unfailing love which in Hebrew is called chesed. In
Jewish teaching, chesed is the godly attribute that corresponds to
wheat. The way to practice chesed is to reach out and give as an
expression of kindness to others.
Wheat is also an important part of the celebration of Shavuot,
the Jewish harvest festival. The Israelites were first commanded
to observe this holy day in the Torah (the Bible), as described in
Leviticus 23:1522. Even today in modern Israel, just before the
harvest begins at Shavuot, the wheat turns a glorious golden color,
a beautiful sight that reminds me of Ecclesiastes 2:24: A man can
do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his
work. Wheat is a picture of Gods eternal love for His children.
Food for Thought:
We must put thanksgiving and intention back into the simple things in
life. Take a moment to think about the wheat, fruit, vegetables, water, and
other provision that God graciously gives through His creation of nature.
With everything being so complex in this age of technology, and
everyone scrambling for the next new gadget, dont disconnect from
the natural riches God gives us daily through His glorious creation.
May we find happiness and satisfaction in small, simple acts, and
in His faithful provision. Amen.
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A Promise of Provision
Do not withhold good from those who
deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor, Come back
later; Ill give it tomorrowwhen you
have it with you today. Proverbs 3:2728
Like wheat, barley (Hebrew: seorah) is a grain
that has been harvested in Israel for centuries,
mainly during the festival of Shavuot.
In biblical times, barley was considered the
food of poor people, often used in porridge or
as a cake. Because it was cheaper than wheat,
barley was also used to feed cattle and other livestock.
In Jewish teaching, barley is related to the godly attribute of gevura,
or restraint. It brings to mind the idea of boundaries. For example,
each barley seed is enclosed in a strong hull, a kind of boundary
that remains intact even during threshing.
Barley figures prominently in the Bibles most beautiful love story:
Ruth and Boaz. Ruth, a woman from Moab, returned to Bethlehem
with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, after both of their husbands
died. Since both were widows and had no one to provide for their
needs, Ruth served on the threshing floor of Naomis relative Boaz
during the barley harvest.
Boaz filled Ruths cloak with barley, which not only helped feed her
and Naomi, who were impoverished, but showed his determination
to fulfill his obligation to marry Ruth. This union ultimately produced
King David! Boazs actions are the very essence of the command in
Proverbs 3 to help the poor. What a great example for us to follow!
Food for Thought:
The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz reminds us that regardless of
whether we are rich or poor, we all have something special to give
the world. Each of us has been provided with the tools needed to
bless others. For some people these gifts are financial. For others, it
may be a prayer and a kind word to share with others.
What tools do you possess? How will you use them to enrich
others? It is our sacred responsibility and privilege to share what
God has given us in order to bless others.
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A Blessing of Peace and Security

When they reached the valley of Eschol,
they cut off a branch bearing a single
cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it
on a pole between them, along with
some pomegranates and figs.
Numbers 13:23

Grapes (Hebrew: gefen) are among the oldest

produce cultivated in Israel. In the famous
description of the huge grape cluster brought
back to the camp of Israel by the twelve spies
(Numbers 13), the land of Israel is shown as
an ideal climate for grape growing.
Vines and vineyards are used in Scripture as symbols of prosperity
and blessing. The beautiful messianic blessing of peace and security
is spoken of as a time when, Every man will sit under his own vine
and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for
the Lord Almighty has spoken (Micah 4:4).
To date in Israel, grapes are used mainly for the production of wine,
although we also eat them fresh and dried. Wine has always been
an integral part of the rituals of Judaism. On the sabbath and on
Holy Days, we begin the meal by reciting a special blessing. Only
then does the meal begin.
Grapes are a wonderful example of the harmony in nature. The
rain falls and enables plants, vegetables, and fruits to grow, which
feed the animals and sustain us. Nature functions on a giving cycle,
where each system takes what it needs and gives away the rest to
provide sustenance to others. Its a beautiful example that God
calls us time and again to follow.
Food for Thought:
Take a moment to recognize what a journey the water in our glass
and food on our plate has taken. Let this simple thought inspire
giving, joy, and simplicity in your life.
We have the same ability to provide life and sustenance to others
through sharing an encouraging word, a kind smile, or a nurturing
meal. Find a simple way to give someone else life!
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Wisdom and Long Life

During Solomons lifetime Judah and
Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in
safety, each man under his own vine
and fig tree.
1 Kings 4:25

This verse in 1 Kings shows us that the

blossoming fig tree was a symbol of prosperity
in Israel. Today, dried figs are an expensive
delicacy in the Holy Land, yet still a favorite
treat to pick fresh from the tree and enjoy.
Figs trees are cultivated throughout the Holy
Land, and their rich fruit ripens in midsummer. A fig tree produces
masses of large green leaves and provides ample welcome shade
during Israels hot months. This is why fig trees were often planted
next to wells; the thick dark shade kept the water cool.
In Jewish teaching, figs (Hebrew: teenah) show us the godly
attribute, netzach (eternal), which symbolizes longevity. The fig
tree represents longevity because it has one of the longest periods
of ripeningmore than three months.
The great nineteenth-century Jewish rabbi and scholar known as
Malbim explained that we need to watch the fig tree very carefully,
and pick its figs daily, since they ripen in rapid succession. In the
same way, we need to observe our teachers daily in order to glean
the fruits of their wisdom over time.
Food for Thought:
Success today is too often judged by financial worth. By contrast, the
image of resting under a fig tree suggests that the simple pleasures of
life are truly priceless. When we redefine the meaning of success in
terms of joy, we are more free to experience peace in our hearts and
the happiness that accompanies our every step.
Choose a life based on your passions and joys and surround
yourself with people who accentuate and complement your strengths.

Majesty, Glory, and Thankfulness

Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and
scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe,
with gold bells between them.
Exodus 28:33

It is clear from the Bible that the pomegranate

(Hebrew: rimon) had a significance in ancient
Israel beyond its nutritional value as a fruit.
We find about 30 references to pomegranates
in Scripture, including the reference to the
adornment around the hem of the high priests
robe (Exodus 28:33). Jewish tradition says that
a pomegranate has 613 seeds to represent the
613 commandments in the Torah.
In biblical times, the pomegranate was used for making wine and
seasonings, in addition to its function as a dye. Today in Israel, the
pomegranate is traditionally eaten on the Jewish New Year but are
also used to flavor foods and as a topping for salads.
The pomegranate is a very beautiful and majestic fruit, and it even
boasts what appears to be a crown. It corresponds to the godly
attribute, hod, which means majesty and glory. Hod is also related
to the Hebrew word toda, which means thanks and recognition.
Pomegranate trees are a common sight in the gardens of Israel.
The tree bears scarlet, yellow, or white flowers, and has rich green
leaves heavy with fruit that ripens during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish
New Year. The plump red fruits are also often used to decorate the
temporary structures in which we dwell during Sukkot, or the
Feast of Tabernacles.
Food for Thought:
When I think of pomegranates as part as the high priests clothing,
Im reminded of Job 29:14, where the patriarch said, I put on
righteousness as my clothing. We decide which values to possess,
and we wear those values as our garments. They are the expressions
we use to reveal our inner thoughts and world view.
With that in mind, take a moment to look at your actions and
thoughts and decide if these are the garments you want the world
to know you by. Let your beautiful values shine to the world like a
priestly garment that gathers everyones attention and admiration.
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Peace and Prosperity

I am like an olive tree flourishing
in the house of God.
Psalm 52:8

Perhaps more significant than any other of

the seven fruits, the olive (Hebrew: zayit) is a
symbol of prosperity and longevity in Israel.
Olive trees can grow where there is not much
rain or soil; in fact, they can grow where no
other trees can. They will also produce heavy
crops with even a minimum amount of care.
In Jewish teaching, olives correspond to the
godly attribute of yesod (foundation). Olive oil is the foundation of
foods in the Middle East and entire Mediterranean region. Today,
olive oil is still one of the main ingredients in Israeli cuisine.
Olives were one of the blessings of the Promised Land that God gave
to His people through His covenant with Abraham. It had a religious
use as the anointing oil for priests, and was also used in sacrificial
offerings and as fuel for the lamps in the Tabernacle, and later in the
Temple at Jerusalem. The wood of the olive tree was also used to
make the doors and posts of the Temple, as well as for the carving
of the cherubim. From this we see that the bark of the tree is as
precious as the olives themselves.
Food for Thought:
In Psalm 133, olive oil is used as a symbol of this important truth:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell
together in unity! (v. 1). We are told that this unity is like precious
oil poured on the head, running down on the beard (v. 2), referring
to the anointing of Aaron as the high priest.
Respect and honor are universal principles of the God-centered
home. We must learn to understand, respect, and grow from
everyone. Once we realize that each person on this earth has a
spark of the divine, we can appreciate our differences.

A Land of Blessing
The Israelites generously gave the
firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil
and [date] honey and all that the
fields produced. 2 Chronicles 31:5
Dates (Hebrew: tamar or dvash) are only
mentioned by name a couple of times in the
Bible. But the palm trees mentioned are surely
date palms, so the presence is more than
initially meets the eye. Dates correspond
to the godly attribute of malchut (royalty).
In biblical times, dates grew in the Jordan Valley.
But modern irrigation has enabled date palm trees to take root near the
Dead Sea and further south in the Arabah, or desert. The dates hang
from the leaves in large clusters and can be dried for a delicious treat.
Dried dates would have been useful to carry on the long travels of
caravans in the ancient world.
The word dates does not appear in Deuteronomy 8:8 in the listing
of the seven fruits. Instead, the word used is dvash, which translates
literally to honey. In ancient times, palm dates were often made
into a form of honey by mashing the dates and cooking them with
water until they thickened into syrup. In Israel today, many people
make date honey, which is called Silan.
It is generally thought that when the Torah mentions honey it is
talking about palm date honey rather than traditional honey. The
reference to Israel as a land flowing with milk and honey
(Exodus 3:8) also likely refers to date honey.
Food for Thought:
In Proverbs 15:17 we read, Better a meal of vegetables where there is
love than a fattened calf with hatred. The wisdom conveyed in this
verse is an ideal way to complete our study of the seven fruits of Israel.
The outcome of our toil is based on our intentions. If we are
content within ourselves and our surroundings, joy and tranquility
will follow us through all the journeys of our life. When we toil
with positive thinking, love, and an open heart, there is no such
thing as failure.
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Wheat ()

Chocolate Breakfast Muffins

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
cup chocolate chips
1 egg, beaten
cup oil
cup honey
1 cups soy milk (or milk)

Combine dry ingredients and mix in separate bowl combine wet ingredients.
Fold the wet and dry ingredients together until flour is moistened. Spoon
into greased muffin tins, then bake at 400 for 15 minutes.
Makes around 12.

!
Pomegranate ()

Pomegranate Salad
1 (10 ounce) package mixed baby greens
or fresh spinach
1 pomegranate, peeled and seeds separated
1 (8 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
1 small cucumber, chopped
chopped scallions or red onion (optional)
Dressing:
cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoons honey
tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

D
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Dates ()

Date Honey Chicken

2 cut onions
3 chicken legs and thighs (or light meat if you prefer)
3
/4 cup date honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
cup canola oil
2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
salt to taste

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

On the bottom of a baking tin, place the cut onions, then lay the chicken
out on top of it. In a bowl, mix the date honey, oil, soy sauce, salt, and garlic.
Pour sauce over the chicken coating the chicken with the sauce.
Bake for 45 min.1 hour. Spoon some sauce from the bottom of pan over
the chicken every 20 minutes.

D
Olive Oil ()

Olive Dip
2 (16 ounce) cans green olives, pitted
2 garlic cloves
1
/3 cup olive oil
tablespoon thyme
Drain the cans of olives, put all ingredients in a
food processor and blend until smooth. Enjoy
with cut up vegetable sticks, pita chips, or as
a spread on bread.

D
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Creamy Tahina Salad/Rice Dressing

Honey ()

cup olive oil

3 tablespoons soy sauce
teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
tablespoon salt
dash of pepper
teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon of tahini
Combine all ingredients, mix well, and pour over
salad or ricethis dressing tastes good with everything!

!
Grapes ()

Fruit Salad
1 apple
1 bundle of grapes (without seeds)
1 pear
1 orange
5 figs
5 dates
1 cup of pomegranate seeds
teaspoon of cinnamon
Chop all of the fruits, put together in a big bowl,
top with cinnamon.

D
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Coconut Milk Cream of Barley Soup

Barley ()

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed thoroughly

1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chicken soup powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup coconut milk/cream
1 tablespoon canola oil
5 cups of water
Saut vegetables in oil for 5 minutes, stir occasionally. Combine all
ingredients except the coconut cream in a pot and bring to a boil over high
heat. Reduce the heat and simmer covered until the barley is tender, 1 to 1
hours. Add the coconut cream and heat.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews promotes

understanding and cooperation between Jews and Christians and
builds broad support for Israel and other shared biblical concerns.
Together in true solidarity, The Fellowships programs bring blessing
and help to hundreds of thousands of needy people around the world.

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The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews blesses Israel

and her people through these four core outreach programs:

Helping bring hundreds of thousands

of needy Jews to the Holy Land and
building new lives for them in Israel.

Guardians
of Israel

Delivering food, clothing, medicines,

and other lifesaving care to elderly Jews,
orphans, and street children in the lands
of the former Soviet Union and other
countries where they are in distress.

Assisting families in Israel to cope with

poverty and assisting with much-needed
security against Hamas, Hezbollah, and
other terrorists.

Mobilizing churches, Christian leaders,

and grass-roots individuals in the United
States and around the world to stand
with Israel through prayer and public
advocacy.

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The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.
His goal then, as it is now, was to promote greater
understanding and cooperation between Jews and
Christians and to build a broader base of support for
both Israel and shared biblical concerns. Resting
upon this foundation, The Fellowship has been
instrumental in fostering better relations between
these two faith communities and providing new
avenues of support for Israel and Jewish people
who are in need around the world.

30 NORTH LASALLE STREET

SUITE 4300 CHICAGO, IL 60602-3356
800-486-8844 INFO@IFCJ.ORG IFCJ.ORG
2012
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7FISYE