The Importance of Pomegranate in Judaism
Why is the pomegranate in Judaism so important? There are repeated mentions of this fruit in the Bible and in historic writings that recorded the history of Judaism over the years. Let's take a look at some of the history of this amazing fruit.
Pomegranates in the Bible
Pomegranate fruit was referenced more than once in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. The first reference is in Chapter 28, verses 33 and 34, when it says: "Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe."
The second reference to pomegranates in the Book of Exodus is in Chapter 39, verses 25 and 26. Those verses say," And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses."
References to pomegranate fruit in the Bible can also be found in 1 Kings 7:13-22, 2 Chronicles 4:13, Numbers 13:23, Song of Solomon 4:3, and Deuteronomy 8:8. Some historians even believe that the fruit Eve gave to Adam in the Garden of Eden could have been a pomegranate, although nothing proves this to be true.
The Torah mentions pomegranates too when it refers to the Seven Species.
Pomegranate in Judaism Traditions
Jewish traditions and writings refer to this fruit as a symbol of righteousness. Why? They say that because a pom fruit can have 613 seeds, that those seeds are representative of the commandments in the Torah, which also number 613.
The fruit is also rumored to represent constant learning, knowledge, wisdom, and being fruitful.
Rosh Hashana customs include eating this fruit during the holiday represents fruitfulness.
Pomegranate in Judaism – Interesting Facts
- Did you know that pomegranates were actually on a coin at one time? The shekels or coins of ancient Judea had a sprig of three pomegranates on one side of the coin.
- Some believe that the handles of the Torah scrolls are fashioned after pomegranates
- The pomegranate fruit is mentioned in kabbalah, an ancient Jewish tradition
- King Solomon's crown was said to have been designed after the crown-shaped area of the pomegranate
- The Israelites who traveled to the Promised Land were promised luscious fruit when they arrived and some people think they could be referring to pomegranates.
- Pom fruits are used to decorate during the holiday of the Feast of Tabernacles – the hut used for the celebration is decorated with the fruits.
- Wine is made from pomegranates
- King Solomon's temple had pomegranates carved into the columns
Pomegranate in Judaism History
It's interesting to note that this fruit was used to decorate holy places for Jewish feasts and the image of it was sewn into expensive and elaborate clothing for kings during Biblical times. It's obvious that pomegranate in Judaism is very symbolic and important to the history of Judaism as a whole.
When something is mentioned a few times in history, it may be something you pass over as unimportant. When something is mentioned several times however, it's important to make sure you take note because it was probably ingrained in history for a reason. Pomegranate in Judaism is one of those "somethings".
Read enough about pomegranate in Judaism and what to learn more about pomegranate in religion and mythology?
Amazing Pomegranate Health Benefits
