In the Parsha Bereshis
Plants, Places, Animals
Compiled from: WWW.ORT.ORG The Living Torah by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
Bdellium בדלח
The Hebrew term bedolach which is mentioned in Genesis 2:12 viewed by some scholars as a reference to pearls. Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that it should be viewed as a reference to either crystals (Rashi Numbers 11:7) or to bdellium, a gum resin substance. The Midrash, however, states that this is not this herbal material.
The Hebrew term appears in the passage which describes the physical terrain around the Garden of Eden. The bdellium is a gum resin which is obtained from the commiphora tree.
Habitat: Northern Yemen.
Shoham שחם
Precious stones; translated as onyx, lapis lazuli, or sardonex
Garden of Eden גן עדן
Delight in Hebrew. The garden in which G-d placed Adam and Eve, said to have been located between the Euphrates and the Tigris (Genesis 2:8-15). Research has shown that the area was once very fertile and that it became known during pre-historic times for its lush gardens, a feature which may have inspired the growth of romance around its characterization.
Gihon, river גחון
One of the four rivers of Paradise (Eden), Genesis 2:13. Josephus identifies it as the Nile. Rabbi Aharon Marcus says it might be the Amu-dar’ya which flows from Afghanistan into the Aral sea in Russia; or it might be the Qezal Owzan River, which flows northward through Iran into the Caspian sea; or the Khabur, a tributary of the Euphrates flowing through Syria
Nod נוד
The country of Nod was where Cain was banished following his act of fratricide (Genesis 4:16). Its location, described in the text as 'East of Eden', gives little clue as to its whereabouts.
Pishon פישון
One of the four major rivers of Paradise (Eden). It is thought to be either the Nile (Rashi), the Ganges, the Indus or the Karun (Genesis 2:11).
