Nourished by memories until we can revisit Israel
COVID HAS really disconnected us from the Holyland. I miss Israel so much it hurts! I miss our family trips, I miss my buying trips, I miss the sun, the sea, the fun, the chaos and the culture. Even though I love living in London, I’ve always referred to Israel as my spiritual home, and have done since I was a child.
I can’t wait for my feet to touch the sand in Israel soon.
With the sweet New Year of Rosh Hashanah almost upon us, I was pondering why we refer to Israel as “a land flowing with milk and honey in the Bible. Isn’t Israel a barren desert?
I like the following explanation by Rabbi Julie Zupan, which suggests the lines can be understood as both a physical description of the land and as spiritual metaphor.
“Perhaps the promise is of nourishing food (due to the land’s abundant fertility), or perhaps the promise is for spiritual nourishment.
“Or perhaps the promise is for both”. The biblical evidence of a fertile land is understood as goat’s milk and date honey but apparently there is archaeological evidence of a bee-keeping industry in ancient Israel as well.
Israel holds a special place in so many of our hearts. Let hope we have the freedom to come and go with ease soon.
Wishing you all a sweet, happy — and most of all a healthy — New Year.
Shana Tova u’ metukah.
The Michael Aram apple honey pot with spoon pictured below is one of the new range of Rosh Hashanah gifts at Contemporary Judaica.
The company will be showcasing its new products at Chai Cancer Care’s Hendon HQ on Wednesday, September 1 (see right).