Dateline Jerusalem — Springtime in Israel officially begins next week, but we have been enjoying it all winter. Israel's spring season this year begins on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the beginning of the month of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar, or April 1, according to the Gregorian calendar. We make a blessing on seeing fruit trees in bloom when there are only buds, leaves and flowers, but not when fruit already has developed. The blessing is said in praise of G-d for His renewal of Creation. According to Kabbalah, the blessing can redeem souls.
Springtime in Israel means carpets of wildflowers throughout the country in nearly every color. They definitely remind us that G-d's creation of flowers and trees is for the pleasure of mankind. Hills, fields, even the deserts, bloom. Flowers are one of Israel's biggest exports, especially to Europe. Last year, just for Valentine's Day, more than 60,000 flowers were exported to Europe.
There are 2500 species of plants in Israel. Supposedly the climate and weather are the main reasons for the diversity in flora. In addition to the seven species inherent to ancient Israel, namely wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates, today almonds often are considered an eighth species due to the number of almond trees in bloom throughout the country.
My city, Rehovot, is known as the city of citrus, science and culture. Its emblem has an orange, microscope and open book. We are the largest shipping and packing center for fruit in Israel. The main street through the center of town is lined with orange trees, their tangy aroma tantalizing my senses. Islands in the middle of roads have little kumquat bushes, their bite-size fruit in abundance. A kumquat tree grows in front of my apartment building. The kumquat is actually a bush, but sometimes it is pruned to look like a tree. The Minkov Citrus Orchard was Rehovot's first orchard. Today it is a museum that has a packing house displaying the packing process of 110 years ago, a deep water well used to water the orchard, and watering tunnels. Visitors can pump well water, pick oranges, and squeeze the oranges into orange juice.
What with perfect blue skies, mild temperatures, fragrant citrus trees and gorgeous, colorful flowers throughout the country, springtime is Israel is wonderful indeed.
L'hitraot. Shachar
