The seven species individually and collectively inform the three dimensions of meaning in Jewish expression. The three dimensions are as follows:
- The first dimension helps us relate to the actual physical land of Israel, by deepening our connection to its wildlife, geography, and agriculture.
- The second, connects us with the symbolic aspects of the land where memory and narrative, story and history, fact and metaphor, combine to inform us of our Jewish identity.
- And lastly, and perhaps the highest of the three, is the spiritual, ethical, and religious. All three dimensions intertwine and coexist as a Divinely woven fabric of identity, belief, sacredness, connection and tradition and connect with our past in the land of Israel.
In our new home at 1201 Lake Cook Road, we have integrated this richly woven tapestry of identity through the colors, symbolism and artistic expression of the seven species of Israel throughout the building. Through both the windows surrounding our space and through the materials used to create that space, we have drawn the outside in to flood our new home with physical as well as spiritual light.
The seven species are the natural and indigenous crops mentioned in the Torah that grow in Israel without need of irrigation. They were discovered and embraced the very moment the Israelites entered the land after their bondage in Egypt. They have been used symbolically ever since as metaphors of our value system in artwork, architecture, and poetic expression. They are:
- Wheat Chita
Wheat is considered a staple and represents basic sustenance. Wheat is synonymous with the word abundance. - Barley Se'orah
Barley is the first grain to ripen in Israel and is meant to feed the poor and hungry, and to welcome the stranger. - Grapes Gefen
Grapes signify optimism, abundance and hope. Nearly every holiday, including Shabbat, incorporates wine as we say the Kiddish blessing. - Fig Te'enah
Figs stand for peace and a time when people can live without fear of war. They also represent love and hope that renewal will come once the cold and dark of winter has passed. - Pomegranate Rimmon
The pomegranate signifies mitzvot, righteousness, torah and beauty. According to Jewish tradition, there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate corresponding to the 613 mitzvot found in the Torah. - Olive Zayit shemen
Olive refers to peace, light, wisdom and sacredness. The olive in embodied in the eternal light, the Succah, and the Chanukah candles. - Honey (dates) D'vash (Te'marim)
Honey/Dates signify that a person can be righteous, can follow obligation and abundance, meaning that the land flows with milk and honey.
