The Seven Species Fruits & Grains & Our Bodies

The Seven Species
Fruits and Grains of the Bible
From Lisa Katz, former About.com Guide
The Hebrew Bible describes Israel as a land blessed with seven fruits and grains:

"a land of wheat and barley, and (grape) vines and fig-trees and pomegranates; a land of olive-trees and (date) honey." (Deuteronomy 8:8)

These seven fruits and grains are called the seven species (shivat haminim). While many other fruits and grains can be found in Israel, the seven species have special status.

The Jews and The Land
The seven species symbolize the close relationship between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel.

Deuteronomy Chapter 8 begins:

"All the commandment which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers." (Deuteronomy 8:1)

Then the land is described as a good land with the seven species:

"For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths, springing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees and pomegranates; a land of olive-trees and honey;" (Deuteronomy 8:7-8)

Deuteronomy Chapter 8 ends:

"And it shall be, if thou shalt forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I forewarn you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations that the LORD maketh to perish before you, so shall ye perish; because ye would not hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God." (Deuteronomy 8:19-20)

Thus, according to the Bible, if the Jews observe God’s commandments, they will be given a good land blessed with the seven species. If the Jews do not obey, then they will perish.

The Seven Species and Tu B’Shvat

On Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year for trees, it has become customary to eat and bless the seven species.
1.wheat (chitah)
2.barley (se'orah)
3.grapes (gefen)
4.fig (te'enah)
5.pomegranate (rimon)
6.olive (zayit)
7.date (tamar)

While the almond (shaked) is not one of the seven species, it is the most visible sign of the arrival of Tu B'Shvat in Israel. With the arrival of the midwinter festival of Tu B'Shvat, the pink-white flowers of the almond trees can be seen all around Israel's hillsides.

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Cinderella Released Living Frugally

Easy Ways to Live Frugally

From Day 6 of 30

Looking for some easy ways to get started with your frugal lifestyle? Here are 10 ideas:

Clean the lint screen on your dryer regularly. A clogged lint screen can guzzle 30% more energy—and start a fire.

TVs, DVD players, computers and other electronics drain energy even when they’re not turned on. Be sure to unplug them if they’re not in use and watch your utility bill shrink.

Take advantage of after-season sales. If you need Christmas ornaments, buy them in January when they’re on sale—don’t wait until the fall when the price goes back up.
Don’t order top-shelf drinks. Order the well vodka instead of Grey Goose and save about $10 a martini.

Give up gadgets. Technologically impressive doodads can be addictive and expensive. If you have to have it, look for a used unit six months down the road.
Downgrade your phone service. If you haven’t used call waiting in months and have never had a three-way chat, reduce your service to the most basic option.
Open a window. If the weather’s nice, why pay for artificial air? Turn off the thermostat and enjoy bringing the outdoors inside.

Make it a lunch date. At most restaurants, lunch costs less than dinner. If you’re meeting a business colleague or a date for a meal, suggest lunch.
Use regular plates instead of paper or plastic. Not only does this cost less, but it also helps keep waste out of landfills.

Use cruise control when possible to save on gas—speeding up and speeding down drains your tank.

BONUS TIP: Check out your local farmer’s market. It usually offers in-season produce at a fraction of the cost you’ll find at your regular supermarket.