Almonds

Sources

MISHNA: With regard to the obligation of separating teruma and tithes, the stage of development that is obligated in bitter almonds is exempt in sweet almonds; and the stage in development that is obligated in sweet almonds is exempt in bitter almonds.

“What is obligated among bitter almonds is free among sweet almonds”, small ones; “what is obligated among the sweet is free among the bitter”, large ones. “ Rebbi Ismael ben Rebbi Yose stated in the name of his father: Bitter almonds are free; sweet ones are not obligated before the outer shell separates.” Rebbi Ḥanina instructed in Sepphoris following that statement of Rebbi Ismael ben Rebbi Yose. What did he instruct about? The people of Sepphoris said, about bitter ones. Rebbi Zeїra said, about sweet ones. Rebbi Joḥanan said, if they came down here they would become obligated…

Jerusalem Talmud Maasrot 1:3:5

The Gemara asks: Where was this comment of Rabbi Yoḥanan originally stated? The Gemara answers: It was stated on this ruling, which was taught in a baraita: One is obligated to tithe bitter almonds while they are still small and green, as they are fit to be eaten while still undeveloped. When they are large, however, one is exempt from tithing them, as they are no longer edible. One is obligated to tithe sweet, large almonds, whereas one is exempt from tithing small ones…

Eruvin 28b:11-12

Almonds are sweet and also bitter, symbolizing condemnation and acquittal, although every instance in the Bible refers to condemnation only (cf. Jer. 1, 11- 12).’ Said R. Akiba: ‘Indeed, everything that the Holy One has made can teach us deep lessons, as it says, “The Lord hath made all things,to teach us wisdom) concerning himself’ (Prov. 16, 4).’ R. Eleazar remarked: ‘Rather quote the following verse: “And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” The “very” suggests that we should learn the higher supernal wisdom from all that He made.’

Zohar, Shemot 30:262

ויוצא פרח ויצץ ציץ, “it had brought forth sprouts, produced blossoms, and borne almonds.” The reason the staff produced almonds instead of some other fruit [seeing the almond is not one of the fruit for which the land of Israel is famous, Ed.] is because not only are almonds highly regarded but they are the first to mature after winter. The word שקד suggests a kind of eagerness such as the prophet Jeremiah describing G’d as “eager” to carry out His promise/threat [having shown Jeremiah an almond tree in a vision, Jeremiah 1,11-12. Ed.]…

Rabbeinu Bahya, Bamidbar 17:23:2

Relatedראו גם

Parashat Korach

Sheetsדפי מקורות

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