GudGodah גדגדה
A staging-post in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, mentioned at Deuteronomy 10:7, probably identical with Chor HaGidgad in Numbers 33:32.
Kadesh Barnea קדש ברנע
A town in the Negev identified by modern scholars as either Ain Qudeis or Ain Qudeirat. Mentioned in Numbers 34:4 as the southern point of the boundary of the Promised Land, and at Numbers 32:8, Deuteronomy 1:19 and Deuteronomy 9:23 as the place from which the twelve spies were sent into Canaan by Moses. It is sometimes identified with Kadesh (where Miriam died), although some rabbinic authorities dispute this, and is also thought to be the Rithmah listed at Numbers 33:18-19.
Massah מסה
A place mentioned in Exodus 17:7 (under the name Testing-and-Argument), Deuteronomy 6:15 and Deuteronomy 9:22, so called by Moses because the people tested G-d by demanding that Moses produce water. It is mentioned in the blessing of Moses at Deuteronomy 33:8.
Tabh'erah, Tav'erah תבערה
A spot beyond the Sinai desert, towards Paran. Following a period of unrest among the Israelites, this place was named 'Burning' by Moses to mark the spot where G-d's fire had consumed the edge of the Israelite camp (Numbers 11:1-3; Deuteronomy 9:22).
WHEAT - Chitah חטה
Wheat's essential role puts it first among the seven species. Since ancient times, it has been considered one of man's most basic crops: from wheat flour, bread is produced. On Shavuot, the festival of the First Fruits, the first of the wheat crop would be brought to the Temple, as a culmination of the Omer period that began on Pesach.
BARLEY - Se'orah שערה
Barley was, and still is, an important grain in Israel. Because it requires less water than wheat, it grows even in the arid fields of the Negev (Southern Israel). Since it ripens before wheat, its harvest begins in the month of Nissan (spring). On Pesach, the Omer offering of barley was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as part of the festival. Bread prepared from barley was considered to be "poor man's" bread, possibly because it was not considered as tasty as bread made from wheat.
GRAPES - Gefen גפן
Man has been cultivating grapes from the earliest times: the first vineyard mentioned in the Bible was planted by Noah after the Flood. The cluster of grapes, brought to the Children of Israel in the wilderness by the Spies, symbolized the bounty of the Land of Israel. Throughout the generations, grapes have provided fruit and wine, and contributed to the economy of the indigenous Jewish community. Wine, indicative of joy, is used in many Jewish rituals and ceremonies.
FIG - T'einah תאנה
The broad fig tree provides a lot of shade, as the prophet Micha proclaims in his vision of peace in the Land: "Each man will sit beneath his grapevine and his fig tree, and no one will fear..." This sweet tasting fruit ripens in the hottest part of the summer and can be eaten fresh or dried. It was also one of the fruits brought to Moses by the spies to prove that the Land of Israel was fruitful. Following Jewish tradition, which identifies the tree of knowledge as the fig tree, the fig is also related to the Torah.
POMEGRANATE - Rimon רמון
An old Hebrew song by Yaakov Orland portrays the pomegranate:
The pomegranate tree has aromas that flow out from the Dead Sea and on to Jericho...
The pomegranate is a dark red fruit with rich red flowers, and its abundant seeds. The pomegranate's shape has been used in many decorative objects, such as the rimonim bells used to decorate Torah scrolls, the 200 rimonim of copper on the beams of the Temple, and the rimonim which decorated the High Priest's garment in the Temple.
OLIVE - Zayit זית
The olive tree is one of the oldest and most common trees in the Land of Israel. Indeed, there are olive trees in the Galilee that are estimated to be thousands of years old. The tree's leaves are green all year round, its roots are strong, and the silvery underside of the leaves gives off a sheen of light. In Biblical times, olive oil was used to anoint priests and kings. In its purified form it was used to light the seven-branched Menorah (candelabra) in the Temple. The olive itself is eaten after having been preserved. Its oil is also used for cosmetics, healing compounds, and soaps. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace ever since it was used by Noah as evidence that the flood had ended. It is part of the emblem of the State of Israel, its deep roots symbolizing the people's strong attachment to the land.
DATE (Honey) - Tamar (D'vash) דבש
The date is both one of the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is noted, and one of the Four Species used on the festival of Sukkot. The date tree is a tall and its fruit grows in clusters near the top. The sweet dates, which ripen at the end of summer, are eaten fresh or dried; they are also used to make honey. The tree itself is quite versatile -- its branches being used for cover (as in the Sukkah), its fibers for rope, and its trunk for building.
