Why are apples significant in Jewish tradition?  This presentation by TorahFlora botanist, author and teacher Jon Greenberg, PhD will explore the custom of apples and honey on Rosh HaShanah, but also other meanings of apples (in Shir HaShirim and Midrashim of the Exodus), honey (used in mummification), and milk. It turns out, for example, that the Torah clearly regards a "land dripping with milk and honey" as something positive, but to Isaiah, it represents ruin and the devastation of war. The explanation has to do with the agricultural and economic changes that took place after the conquest of Canaan, as Israelite society shifted from nomadic and pastoral toward sedentary and agricultural, and carries significant moral and symbolic meanings as well.

Dr. Greenberg is devoted to biblical ethnobotany to better understand the Torah.  He received his doctorate in agronomy from Cornell University, and has studied with Rabbi Chaim Brovender at Israel's Yeshivat Hamivtar and conducted research on corn, alfalfa, and soybeans at Cornell, the US Dept of Agricuture, and University of PA Institute for Cancer Research.

Following the program, we will continue the conversation with a home-cooked lunch around our community table.  All are welcome!  Advance lunch reservations are required and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. the day BEFORE the program (Wed).  Suggested donation of $3 for adults over age 60.  $7 for all others.

Federation makes these programs possible through the generous support of our community.