Heed the Words of Jeremiah ✡ "A Leafy Olive Tree"

The Lord called thy name a leafy olive tree, fair with goodly fruit; with the noise of a great tumult He hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken JEREMIAH (11.16) זַיִת רַעֲנָן יְפֵה פְרִי תֹאַר קָרָא יְ-הוָה שְׁמֵךְ לְקוֹל הֲמוּלָּה גְדֹלָה הִצִּית אֵשׁ עָלֶיהָ וְרָעוּ דָּלִיּוֹתָיו ירמיהו יא:טז za-yit ra-a-nan y'-fay f'-ree to-ar ka-ra a-do-nai sh'-maykh l'-kol ha-mu-la g'-do-la hi-tzeet aysh a-le-ha v'-ra-u da-li-yo-tav

Jerusalem Inspiration The first time the olive appears in the Bible is when Noah checks to see if the flood waters have receded. When the dove returns with an olive branch in its mouth, Noah knows that the water has receded sufficiently and life has begun anew (Genesis 8:11, 21). Pure olive oil was also used for the lighting of the golden lamp in the Temple, as well as to anoint priests and kings as part of their initiation. One lesson we can take from the olive is that just like an olive only yields oil when pressed, so too, when we are pressed between the millstones of life, our best selves emerge. It is often only when forced that we rise to the occasion to meet life’s challenges.  We now find ourselves in the days preceeding Tisha B'Av, the day when we commemorate the destruction of our holy Temple in Jerusalem.  History has taught us that Jeremiah's words ring true, and in the face of hardship, the Jewish people rise to the challenge. Delve into the Bible with the Israel Bible Subscription » Aliyah Under Fire The inspiring words of greeting to over two hundred new Israeli citizens, who chose to move to Israel during last summer's war, are a true testament to the Jewish nation's ability to overcome any challenge. Watch here » Why Doesn't Iran Deal Include U.S. Hostage Release? Four Americans are being held in Iran, at least three on what are considered to be trumped-up charges, and their families would like to know why US President Barack Obama has not done anything to get them out? Read more » Jerusalem Washing Cup We are now in the saddest period in the Jewish calendar, when we remember the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem. Bring a piece of Jerusalem into your home with this beautiful ritual washing cup featuring the Jerusalem skyline. Get this Great Deal » Jerusalem Daily Photo A sprawling olive tree by Yehoshua Halevi. The symbol of the olive tree was woven onto the flag of one of the tribes of Israel.  Do you know which one, and its significance? Send me your answer or post it on Facebook. Guess on Facebook » Thank You Please help us continue to spread the beauty and significance of Jerusalem! Sponsor a day » “I Love Israel and its People” It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send mean email and let me know how you are enjoying Jerusalem365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!). Stay in Touch » Hello, good morning! Everything I have to say is: I love Israel and its people, from the bottom of my heart and pray, for the peace in Jerusalem every days and nights. A nice day for everybody there and a big hug! - Mauro Nunes Vieira Blessing from Jerusalem, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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