Gems in Israel
Spotlighting Israel's Lesser Known Tourist Attractions and Travel Sites, the Gems.

October-November 2000  
ISSN: 1527-9812  

THIS MONTH

Introduction
Olive Culture in Ancient Israel
Israel Oil Industry Museum
A Reconstructed Philistine Street
More Netofa
Olives, Judaism and the Land of Israel
Reconstructed Kabatiyeh Oil Press
Words from the Heart
Trips
Event Corner
Gems Replies
Contributing Writers/Sought
Gems in Israel – Touring Israel
Introduction
by Yael Zisling
Olive Tree, photo courtesy of Shai Ginott

From biblical to modern times the people of the land of Israel have had a long association with the olive tree, its fruit, and the oil extracted from it. The olive tree has been a symbol of hope, beauty, peace and fertility. Olive oil was used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as well as illumination. Its oil was used in the Temple and up until the beginning of the last century olive oil constituted 20%-30% of the daily caloric intake of the inhabitants of Israel. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in olive oil, due in part to its antioxidant nature. Studies have shown that drinking as little 50 grams of olive oil a day can have a positive effect on LDL – the ‘bad’ cholesterol.

[FULL STORY]
 
Olive Culture in Ancient Israel
by David Eitam
Ancient Press, illustration courtesy of the Israeli Olive Board

The olive tree and its oil have been major components in the culture and rituals of Ancient Israel and the economy of its inhabitants throughout history. Its prominent status is revealed by numerous verses in the Old Testament, the Mishnah and the Talmud.

[FULL STORY]
 
Israel Oil Industry Museum
by Yael Zisling
Israel Oil Industry Museum

It is not every day that you find a museum on the premises of a modern day factory, let alone a museum housed in one of the country’s first factories. The Israel Oil Industry Museum, which was established due to the efforts of Benjamin Gibli, is located on the grounds of the modern day Shemen factory in Haifa (shemen means oil in Hebrew).

[FULL STORY]
 
A Reconstructed Philistine Street
Kibbutz Revadim
by Yael Zisling
Part of the Reconstructed Philistine Street, Kibbutz Revadim

In archeological terms Tel Miqne-Ekron, is significant for a number of reasons: it is one of the largest Iron Age sites in Israel. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription (that clearly identifies the site as Philistine Ekron). To the casual visitor (i.e. non-archaeologist), the points of interest at Kibbutz Revadim are the reconstructed Philistine street and the Ekron Museum of the History of Philistine Culture.

[FULL STORY]
 
More Netofa
The Land of Olive Oil and Honey
by Yael Zisling
The View from Hararit

David Eitam, established More Netofa, a company that produces gourmet olive oil, honey and spice mixtures. He believes that educating the public about olive oil is instumental to his company’s success. To achieve his goal he conducts workshops at his home, in Hararit (in the Galilee), where he introduces attendees to the intricacies of olive oil.

[FULL STORY]
 
Olives, Judaism and the Land of Israel
by Rabbi Jo David

“I am like a green olive tree in the House of God; I trust in the love of God for ever and ever.” Psalms 52:10.

For a humble fruit, olives have made an indelible impression on the Jewish soul and on the customs and writings of the Jewish people. According to the Bible, olives were cultivated in the land we now call Israel even before the settlement of the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 6:11).

[FULL STORY]
 
Reconstructed Kabatiyeh Oil Press
Kibbutz Ein-Shemer

Ein Shemer is a Kibbutz that was established by Ha’Shomer Hatza’air immigrants, (from Poland). Later immigrants followed from Egypt as well as other countries. Most people know the kibbutz (which is located near Hadera about fifteen mile/ kilometers east of Caesarea) for its Old Courtyard – a place where you can get a sense of what kibbutz life was like, years ago.

[FULL STORY]
 
Words from the Heart
by Julie Baretz

Life in Israel the past two weeks has been very difficult, both on a national and a personal level. I couldn't help thinking, however, as I sweated my way through the Tuesday morning exercise class at the YMCA, how strange it was to be stepping to the beat while a national crisis was going on outside. On the face of things, our daily routines in Israel have barely changed.

[FULL STORY]
 
Trips
From time to time we'll feature trips to Israel and other interesting destinations, that may be of interest to you. This month's features include the 2001:The Bethsaida Odyssey and The African Eclipse Safari.
[FULL STORY]
 
Event Corner

Most people think of an event planner as something that will cost them more, versus save them money. The reality however, is much different.

[FULL STORY]
 
Gems Replies
Carole Thomas, of Decatur, Illinois asked where she could get high quality Armenian pottery at a good price:
[FULL STORY]
 
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For people interested in MORE than just the major tourist attractions. For seasoned and first-time visitors to Israel and anyone who dreams of one day visiting the Holy Land.
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Published by Yael (Zisling) Adar
Copyright © 2002 Yael (Zisling) Adar - Gems in Israel - www.GemsinIsrael.com. All rights reserved.
Gems in Israel, ISSN: 1527-9812,www.GemsinIsrael.com. Gems in Israel may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this online publication.
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