In the Parsha VaYechi
Plants
Boxthorn
אטד
The Hebrew word atad of Genesis 50:10 is considered by some scholars to be a reference to a boxthorn. Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that the term should be viewed as a reference to either rhamnus or spurge (euphorbia). Bramble Barn or the Barn of the Haatad on the Jordan's bank is believed to be the location in which the Israelites held a funeral for Jacob.
The boxthorn is a prickly shrub, a member of the nightshade family.
Habitat:Banks of the Jordan.
Rhamnus
אטד
The Hebrew word atad of Genesis 50:10 is considered by some scholars to be a reference to a boxthorn. Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that the term should be viewed as a reference to either a rhamnus or spurge (euphorbia). Bramble Barn or the Barn of the Haatad on the Jordan's Bank is believed to be the location in which the Israelites held a funeral for Jacob.
Habitat: Hill countries.
Animals
Horned viper
שפיפן
The Horned Viper. The Hebrew name comes from its rustling of the horns. This snake digs into the sand, only with its horns protruding. Birds think it is a worm, and when approaching, the snake kills it. Used in Genesis 49:17 as a metaphor for the guerilla war tactics of the tribe Dan. It is a non-kosher, venomous snake with long thin horns.
Diet: Carnivorous
Habitat: Africa, Europe and Asia.
Places
Avel Mitzraim
אבל מצרים
Otherwise known as 'Egypt's Mourning', this site is said to mark the spot where Jacob was buried (Genesis 50:11). See Goren Ha-Atad. May be identified with Evel Shittim (Numbers 33:49)
