Jewish Herbal Facts
INTRODUCTION:
You can use this fact sheet in lots of different ways. Here are two ideas:
A Guessing Game: Hand out sheets of facts with the answers removed. Encourage participants to talk to each other to figure out the answers. Every item mentioned should be available at the event – telling them the answers are in the room makes this game much more accessible! (Remove any plants which will not be at the event.)
DIY Symbolism: Post each fact next to the plant, or its oils or flowers. Encourage participants to choose a few plants that speak to them. After making the candles, essential oils, or drinks, have participants share one plant they chose and why, or something new they learned from the activity. (Remove any plants which will not be at the event.)
| Fact | Plant |
| This herb is known both as an appetite stimulant and an antioxidant. Eastern European Jewish communities used its stem as a mouthwash to relieve toothaches and its root to stop menstrual bleeding. | Chicory |
| A special variety of this fruit, named after the city of Jaffa where it was first produced for export, was developed by Arab farmers and became an integrated Jewish-Arab business venture in the 1800s | Orange |
| This spice was offered as a main part of the Temple incense sacrifice, considered one of the holiest because it barely took physical form. | Frankincense |
| In the story of Noah’s ark, a bird returning with a branch of this plant signals hope, redemption, and the start of recovery. | Olive |
| The abundant seeds of this fruit mean the plant is associated with fertility as well as the many commandments of the Torah. | Pomegranate |
| This strong, fragrant wood is mentioned frequently in Tanach. Trees can grow up to 90 feet tall and 40 feet wide, likely why all parts of the tree are associated with power and beauty. | Cedar |
| Called “shoshana” in the Torah this flower is renowned for its beauty. Its white color associates it with purity. | Lily |
| In Medieval Safed (Tzfat) in Northern Israel, the prayer leader would distribute this fragrant healing plant to each individual on Shavuot while the chazzan recited prayers about strength and resilience. | Sage |
| This fragrant wildflower is one of the most common in Israel and is mentioned in the Torah. | Narcissus |
| This plant is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Its intensely bitter taste is likely why it’s considered a symbol of sorrow in the Torah. | Absinthe/ wormwood |
| One of the most frequently mentioned herbs in the Bible, this herb was used in rituals of purification. Today, Israelis know it best as the main ingredient in za’atar. | Hyssop |
| Because of this plant’s strong smell, it was widely used for cleansing and memory function. In both Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions, it’s considered one of the strongest protections against the evil eye. | Rosemary |
| To both Israelis and Palestinians, the poppy flower symbolizes resistance, resilience, and mourning for lives lost in war. | Poppy |
| These trees are the first to bloom each spring in Israel, making them a symbol of renewal and awakening. That’s likely why its Hebrew name, “sha-ked,” means “watchful”. | Almond |