Hofealth B enefits

the 7 Biblical Species

a n d b a r l e y, g r a p e s , f i g s a n d p o m e g r a n a
o f w h e a t ‫ דברי‬. ‫ ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת ֶׁש ֶמ ן ּו ְד בָ ׁש‬t e s ; a l a n d Deu t
. (8:8
)
land y.
ֶ‫ע ָר ה ְו ג‬o f o l i ve s a n d h o n e
‫ח‬:‫ם ח‬ ‫ֶפ ן ּו ְת‬
It is a ֹ ‫ְׂש‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו‬
 Introduction
Dear Reader,

All of God’s bounty is beneficial for us and there are many delicious foods that grow in the Land of Israel, yet
the Creator of the world singled out seven species of fruit and grain as being particularly blessed. Over the centuries,
many have sought to explain the special significance of the ‘Seven Species,’ known as the ‫ שבעת המינים‬in Hebrew. A
modern interpretation has been suggested by Shoshana Harari in “The Seven Healing Fruits of Israel.” Harari writes
that “these fruits carry with them so much power packed nutrition and healing that, I believe, if we all had nothing else
to live on, if all our ‘regular’ food just disappeared someday, and all that was available were these seven fruits plus
bountiful, clean water in plentiful supply, it is my belief that we would emerge healthier, happier, and more full of vital-
ity than we have ever been in a long, long time.” In today’s day and age, people are increasingly concerned about the
foods they put into their mouth. There are more health food stores than ever before, yet the Bible singles out Israel’s
wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and dates as a special glimpse into the Lord’s secret pharmacy.
We hope that this e-Book contributes to your understanding of Israel’s Seven Species as not only tasty and delicious
foods, but containing special properties contributing to a healthy body and spirit.

L’Chaim - To Health!

Rabbi Tuly Weisz

Rabbi Tuly Weisz
Israel365

d b a r l e y, g r a p e s , f i g s a n d p o m e g r a n a t e
n
f w h e a t a ‫ דברי‬. ‫ ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת ֶׁש ֶמ ן ּו ְד בָ ׁש‬s ; a l a n d o (8: 8)
nd o ‫ֶפ ן ּו ְת‬ f Deut .
It is a la ‫ח‬:‫ם ח‬ ֶ‫ ע ָר ה ְו ג‬o l i ves a n d h o n e y.
ֹ ‫ּו ְׂש‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה‬
 ‫ ~ חיטה‬Wheat
“You shall observe the feast of Shavuot, of the first
fruits of the wheat harvest...” Exodus (34:22)

Wheat is one of the world’s major crops and has

been since Biblical times. The first mention of
wheat in the Bible is found in Genesis (30:14):
“Reuven went out in the days of the wheat har-
vest.” So important is wheat flour that the rabbis
taught: “Where there is no flour, there is no Torah;
and where there is no Torah, there is no flour” (Pirkei
Avot 3:21), emphasizing the mutual dependency of
the physical world and spiritual pursuits.
Wheat fields near Modi’in
in Central Israel

f i g s a nd pomegranates; a land of olives

It is ,
a land e y, g rapes and h
o n e y.
o f W H E AT a nd b a r l Deut.
(8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 4

 ‫ ~ חיטה‬Wheat
Wheat contains a high dose of dietary fiber, which
contributes to weight loss and weight management.

In addition to being a good source of fiber, eating

Wheat fields near Modi’in
in Central Israel
wheat products can reduce the glycemic index (GI)
of foods. The glycemic index is a measure of how
blood sugar reacts to consumption of carbohydrates.
A lower GI means the glucose is absorbed into the
bloodstream in a much slower way, with an associated
reduced insulin response. Foods with whole wheat have
an even lower glycemic index which prevents insulin spikes,
helps avoid diabetes and is much healthier for the body
overall.

ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ן‬ ֶ
‫מ‬ ֶ ‫ן ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת‬
‫ׁש‬
‫ב‬‫ד‬ . ‫ד ָב ׁש‬ ‫ה ְו ֶג ֶפ‬
‫ּו ְׂש ֹע ָר‬
‫ח‬:‫ח‬ ‫ם‬‫י‬‫ר‬ ‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 5
 ‫ ~ שעורה‬Barley
“And you shall count for yourselves seven complete
weeks from the morrow of the Sabbath, from the day
of your bringing the Omer barley offering.” Leviticus (23:15)

Barley looks similar to wheat but it is a smaller grain

and surrounded by long ‘hair-like’ strands, which
explains its Hebrew name ‘Se’ora,’ meaning hair.
Additionally, barley requires less water and ripens
earlier. The barley harvest signified the beginning of
spring and would be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem
as part of the Passover festival. Each day’s barley offering
in the Temple was a joyous ceremony that teaches us the
importance of dedicating a portion of our crops to our
Barley stalks near Beit
Creator before we eat them ourselves. Guvrin in Central Israel

ates; a land of
It is , f i g s and pomegran olives
r a p e s and h
a land E Y , g o n e y.
of wheat and BARL Deut. (
8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 6

 ‫ ~ שעורה‬Barley
Barley has beta-glucan, which has been shown
to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of
coronary disease.

Barley is a good source of fiber that has two additional

Barley stalks near Beit
Guvrin in Central Israel
health benefits. Barley contains up to 15% beta-glucan,
which is a special type of soluble fiber that, among other
functions, provides provides a feeling of satiety for a longer
period of time. People who eat barley will therefore feel full
and may take in fewer calories overall, thus avoiding obesity.
Furthermore, the fiber in barley is especially useful for the
beneficial bacteria in our digestive system known as probiotics.
Probiotics help digest food and keep us healthy. Barley also
contains selenium, which is an antioxidant that neutralizes free-
radicals and protects the body’s cells.

ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ן‬ ֶ
‫מ‬ ֶ ‫פ ן ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת‬
‫ׁש‬
‫דבר‬
. ‫ד ָב ׁש‬ ֶ ‫ְו ֶג‬ ‫ּו ְׂש ֹע ָר ה‬
‫ח‬:‫ים ח‬ ‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 7
 ‫ ~ גפן‬Grapes
“And they sowed fields and planted vineyards that
yielded a fruitful harvest.” Psalms (107:37)

The first cultivated plants mentioned in the Bible

were grapevines: “Noah, the tiller of soil, planted
a vineyard” Genesis (9:20). Grapes are mentioned
more than any other fruit in the entire Bible. When
Moses sent the 12 spies to scout out the Land of
Israel, the Book of Numbers (13:23) records how they
returned with a sample of grapes that was so large it
had to be carried on a large pole by two strong men. This
image now serves as the logo for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.
This honored fruit plays a prominent role in Judaism, as we Grape cluster just outside
begin our Shabbat and Holiday meals with a blessing over of Jerusalem
a cup of wine.

It is , f i g s and pomegranates; a land of olive

a land , G R APES s and
hone
o f w h e a t a nd bar l e y y. Deut. (
8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 8

 ‫ ~ גפן‬Grapes
Grapes contain resveratrol, which activates anti-aging
mechanisms in the cells.

Researchers have long been puzzled by the “French

Grape cluster just outside
of Jerusalem
Paradox”: Why do the French, who tend to eat
higher levels of artery-clogging animal fats, have a
lower incidence of heart disease? Many attribute
the solution to the benefits of regular consumption
of red wine. Grapes have high amounts of resveratrol
which, in addition to inhibiting heart disease, has been
positively linked to decreasing the likelihood of cancer, viral
infections and Alzheimer’s disease. Fresh grape skins and
seeds contain the highest amounts of resveratrol, up to
one hundred times higher concentration than in the pulp.

‫ן‬ ֶ
‫מ‬ ֶ
‫ׁש‬ ‫ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת‬
. ‫ׁש‬ ָ‫ד‬
‫ב‬ ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ה ְו ֶג ֶפ ן‬
‫דברי‬ ‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו ְׂש ֹע ָר‬
‫ח‬:‫ם ח‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 9
 ‫ ~ תאנה‬Figs
“And every man sat under his vine and under his fig
tree and was not afraid.” Micha (4:4)

Figs are first mentioned in the Bible in the beginning

chapters of Genesis (3:7), when Adam and Eve
covered their nakedness with fig leaves. The Torah
itself is compared to a fig tree, because all parts of
the fig fruit are edible. During King Solomon’s reign,
all of Israel lived in safety “under his fig tree” I Kings
(4:25), which indicates not only national prosperity, but
also demonstrates how, in the Biblical tradition, the fig tree
stands as a symbol for peace and tranquility.
Fig cluster in the
Gush Etzion region

I G S a nd pomegranates; a land of olive

It is F s and
a land y, g r apes, hone
o f w h e a t and bar l e y. Deut . (
8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 10

 ‫ ~ תאנה‬Figs
Figs are a great source of fiber, which is known to
support digestive health.

Figs are a well-known laxative and are high in fiber. The

Fig cluster in the
Gush Etzion region
recommended intake of dietary fiber ranges from 25-
38 grams per day, and dried figs have 9.8 grams of fiber
per 100 grams. Fiber is not digested and absorbed by
the body—it makes its way through the digestive system
and is expelled by the body, “capturing” cholesterol
and other chemicals before they are absorbed into the
bloodstream via the intestines. A diet high in fiber contributes
to a healthy digestive tract and is clinically proven to reduce
cholesterol.

ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ן‬ ֶ
‫מ‬ ֶ ‫ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת‬
‫ׁש‬
‫ד‬ . ‫ׁש‬ ‫ד ָב‬ ‫ה ְו ֶג ֶפ ן‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו ְׂש ֹע ָר‬
‫בר‬
‫ח‬:‫ים ח‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 11
 ‫ ~ רימון‬Pomegranates
“Let us go early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine has
flowered, if its blossoms have opened, if the pomegranates are
in bloom. There I will give my love to you.” Song of Songs (7:13)

The pomegranate has always been a symbol of beauty.

It’s unique shape was a favorite design element
appearing on the priestly garments and on the pillars
at the entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem. At its
crown, the pomegranate has a six part star and is the only
place the Magen David / Star of David appears in nature.
According to Jewish teachings, the numerous seeds in the
pomegranate represent the 613 commandments of the Torah
and on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, Jews say a special
prayer over the beautiful fruit, “May our good deeds multiply Pomegranate tree in the
like the seeds of a pomegranate.” Judean Mountains

d POMEGRA
N AT E S ; a l a n d o
It is f i g s a n f olive
a land ap e s , s and
o f w h e a t a nd bar l e y, g r honey
. D e u t . (8
:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 12

 ‫ ~ רימון‬Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain punicalagin which, among
other things, improves skin health and appearance.

Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants,

Pomegranate tree in the
Judean Mountains
which have demonstrated a superior ability to fight
free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules
that can damage cells and have been linked to
different types of diseases. While many fruit drinks
contain antioxidants, pomegranate juice has been
shown to have the highest antioxidant potency and also
has a particularly high polyphenol content as well, which
contributes to cardiovascular health, increased blood flow
and reproductive health.

ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ן‬ ֶ
‫מ‬ ֶ ‫ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת‬
‫ׁש‬
‫ב‬‫ד‬ . ‫ד ָב ׁש‬ ‫ה ְו ֶג ֶפ ן‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו ְׂש ֹע ָר‬
‫ר‬
‫ח‬:‫ים ח‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 13
 ‫ ~ זית שמן‬Olive Oil
“A leafy olive tree, fair with beautiful fruit: thus
God has called your name.” Jeremiah (11:16)

The first time the olive appears in the Bible is after the
flood when Noah checked to see if the waters had
receded. When the dove returned with an olive branch
in her mouth, Noah knew that the waters had receded
sufficiently and life had begun anew (Genesis 8:11, 21).
Pure olive oil was the fuel source for the lighting of the
golden Menorah in the Temple and was also used to anoint
priests and kings as part of their initiation. One lesson we
can take from olives is that just like an olive only yields oil when
pressed, so too, when we are pressed between the millstones of
life, our best selves often emerge when we rise to the occasion Olive grove in Central
to meet life’s challenges. Israel near Tirosh

f i g s a n d pomegranates; a land of OLIVE

It is apes,
S and
a land y, g r hone
o f wh e a t and bar l e y. Deut. (
8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 14

 ‫ ~ זית שמן‬Olive Oil
Olives are rich in oleurorpein and hydroxytyrosol,
which are known to support healthy blood pressure.

Dozens of health protective nutrients have been

identified in olives, benefitting most of the body’s
systems. For centuries, olives have been used to
treat inflammatory problems and allergies. They
contain hydroxytyrosol which helps prevent cancer as
well as bone loss, and oleic acid, which helps reduce
the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps to lower
blood pressure. The diverse benefits are related to the
olive’s unusual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Olive grove in Central
Israel near Tirosh

‫ּו‬ ‫ו ֶג ֶפ ן ּו ְת ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת ֶׁש ֶמ ן‬
‫דבר‬
. ‫ְד ָב ׁש‬ ְ ‫ׂש ֹע ָר ה‬
‫ח‬:‫ח‬ ‫ם‬‫י‬ ְ ‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 15
 ‫ ~ דבש‬Date Honey
“The righteous shall flourish like the Date palm tree...
they shall still bring forth fruit in old age.” Psalms(92:12)

In Biblical times, dates were made into honey, by

mashing them and mixing them with water. In addition
to being one of the Seven Species, the date palm has
the added distinction of being one of the four species
used during the holiday of Sukkot. Since date palms
stand so tall and straight, with fronds of leaves that wave in
the wind, the majestic tree was depicted on coins minted by
the Maccabees and has always been considered a symbol of
victory and strength. The date’s Hebrew name, Tamar, similarly
suggests grace and beauty and was given to several women in
the Bible and is still a popular name for baby girls today. Date orchard in Beit She’an
in the Jordan Valley

tes; a land of o
f i g s a nd pomegrana lives a
It is a p e s , nd HO
a land e y, g r NEY.
of wheat and barl De ut . (
8:8)

Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 16

 ‫ ~ דבש‬Date Honey
Dates are rich in potassium, which is necessary for
a proper electrolyte balance.

Dates are another good source of dietary fiber, as

well as copper. A 100 gram serving of dates provides
40% of the daily recommended intake of copper,
which is an essential trace-mineral that the body must
have for survival. Copper plays an important role in
the creation of red blood cells and is a component of
many enzymes and nerve tissues. Dates are also a good
source of carbohydrate energy.

Date orchard in Beit She’an

in the Jordan Valley

‫ן‬ ֶ ‫י ת ֶׁש‬
‫מ‬ ֵ‫ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ ז‬
ׁ ‫ָב‬ ‫ד‬ְ ‫ּו‬ ‫ֶג ֶפ ן ּו ְת‬
‫בר‬ ‫ ד‬.‫ש‬ ‫ֹע ָר ה ְו‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו ְׂש‬
‫ח‬:‫ים ח‬
Health Benefits of the 7 Species | Pg. 17
 Health Benefits of the 7 Biblical Species

Photography by Yehoshua Halevi

© All rights reserved by Israel365

a n d b a r l e y, g r a p e s , f i g s a n d p o m e g r a n a
o f w h e a t ‫ דברי‬. ‫ ֵא ָנ ה ְו ִר ּמ וֹ ן ֶא ֶר ץ זֵ י ת ֶׁש ֶמ ן ּו ְד בָ ׁש‬t e s ; a l a n d Deu t
. (8:8
)
land y.
ֶ‫ע ָר ה ְו ג‬o f o l i ve s a n d h o n e
‫ח‬:‫ם ח‬ ‫ֶפ ן ּו ְת‬
It is a ֹ ‫ְׂש‬
‫ֶא ֶר ץ ִח ָּט ה ּו‬