Saturday, March 5, 2011

Almond Blossoms

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Click here to purchase this photograph on etsy
Did you know that the almond blossom served as a model for the menorah which stood in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem? I didn't, not until tonight, when I was searching in vain for a psalm about almonds to use for this week's Psalm Challenge. I didn't find one, but I did find this from Exodus instead:

"Three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on one branch, with a knob and a flower; and three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, were on the other...on the candlestick itself were four cups, shaped like almond blossoms, with its knobs and flowers" (Exodus 25:33–34; 37:19–20).

This particular almond tree is in full bloom right at this very moment in Israel's beautiful Ben Shemen Forest, just about 20 minutes (and one 4x4 jeep ride - thanks to a friend) from my home. We spent a few hours out in the forest on Friday and what a feast for the eyes, everywhere you looked something was blooming or growing - almond trees, entire fields of anemones, wild cyclamen, sabras... Spring really is a glorious season here in Israel.

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
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If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.
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14 comments:

Dina said...

That's good to know. Thanks!
Now when I look at all the blossoming almond trees I'll see menorahs.

Jael said...

I did not know that either,thanks for the info. Blossoming almond trees are so pretty!

Isreview said...

Stunning almond blossom!

Don't get too used to the stunning spring weather we are having I hear we are in for a wintery storm as the week goes on :)
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Daniela
http://isreview1.blogspot.com

Jen said...

Spring? My envy knows no bounds...

Robin said...

I know Daniela! It really stinks too, Thursday and Friday of all days - I've got a big girlfriends' getaway in Tel Aviv then and freezing temps and pouring rain will put a serious damper on our paint the town plans!

(Psst... I've got a giveaway going for a $50 gift certificate - swing by my blog for a chance to win.)

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

quilly said...

Last year about a week after your Almond trees blossomed, ours did, too! Here's hoping ... although we had a hard freeze last week, so maybe not.

Isreview said...

Oh no! bummer the getaway could not be this past weekend, that would have been amazing! I hope it works out well regardless.

re: your giveaway -I saw that and would love to enter but I (happily) live in Israel and don't have a US address :(
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Daniela
http://isreview1.blogspot.com

Tania said...

It`s a wonderful flower and so are your photo! It looks like spring to meg:-)
Wish you a happy sunday!

Mrs. S. said...

This is why I've always wondered about the classic Tu B'Shvat song, "HaShkediah Porachat." After all, our almond tree has never blossomed before Adar... :-)

Unknown said...

I'm itching for spring weather and a little bit of COLOR against all this gray drab we're experiencing here in upstate New York. Alas . . . more wintery mess is expected.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

The blossoms are beautiful, and I can only imagine the wonderful scenes you describe from your visit to the forest. Hopefully we'll see more?

Robin said...

You can count on it Sara ;).

(Psst... I've got a giveaway going for a $50 gift certificate - swing by my blog for a chance to win.)

-----------------------------------
My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

Cloudia said...

so wonderful!



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Anonymous said...

Blossoms and you
passing by
both smile

Thank you very much for your participation. Please have a good start into the new week and please join again soon.

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