Introduction to Olive
Olive oil is a substance that is centrally connected with the Jewish people and the land of Israel.
The Torah itself is compared to oil. Just as oil pleasantly anoints the body and head so it is with the words of Torah. (Shir Hashirim Raba parsha 1)
It is so central that the Torah names many different kinds of olive oils. These range from pure clear olive oil for lighting the Menorah in the Bet Hamikdash to thick jells that were engineered by apothecaries and blended with exotic spices.
The Bet Hamikdash ceremonies had at least three different kinds of olive oil. Pure oil from the first drop that is squeezed from the olive was used for lighting the Menorah. It is this oil that is famous in the Chanukah miracle. The other grades of Oil were mixed with sacrifices and a jell kind of oil for anointing Kohanim and Utensils. (See Shemot 25 – 6)
The light of olive oil is generally preferred for its pure, steady and gentle light. The Mishna states that one should light Shabbat candles strictly with olive oil. This can be a source of blessing and well-being.
In biblical Israel olive oil was a basic commodity. Lack of olive oil was associated with suffering and poverty. Yishayahu states in his opening prophecy, “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and festering sores: they have not been pressed, neither bound up, neither mollified with oil. (Yishayahu 1 – 6)
Our Rabbis of Blessed Memory have stated that the people of Israel are compared to an olive in two different ways. An olive tree does not shed its leaves in summer or winter. Similarly, The people of Israel shall never disappear, not in this world and not in the world to come. Additionally, an olive will only render its oil under a tremendous weight so it is that the people of Israel only repent through trial and tribulations.
Yitzchak Avinu gave a blessing of fertility to Yaakov Avinu by saying, “May God give you of the dew of heaven and the oil of the earth.” (Bereshit 27,28)
Finally, The Dove returned to Noah in his ark with an olive branch. (Bereshit 8 – 11)
A “Mediterranean Diet” consists of many healthy items including olive oil, fish, beans and vegetables. This diet is known to reduce heart disease.
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