almonds

And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.

Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

And he sent him with them in the second year of this week on the first day of the month, and they came to the land of Egypt with all those who went, and (they had) presents in their hands, stacte and almonds and terebinth nuts and pure honey.

O my boy! thou art like the cat to whom they said: "Leave off thieving till we make for thee a chain of gold and feed thee with sugar and almonds."

And Moses did so and set 12 rods, and the rod of Aaron came out, and put forth blossom and yielded seed of almonds.

Concerning the fruit which it is seemly to offer. All shall give, and be careful to offer the first fruits of the crops to the bishop, and he shall offer, while blessing and naming him who offers, saying: We give thanks to thee, God, and we present to thee the first fruit of that which thou hast given to us as good things, having been pleased and by thy word hast commanded the earth to bear its various fruit, for satiety of food for men and all the animals, that we may glorify thee, O God, in all the profit which thou causest to all creation by various fruits, through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom to thee with him (be) glory, and with the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. Concerning the fruits. The priest shall bless these fruits: grapes and figs and pomegranates, and fruit of olive, apples, plums, quinces, peaches, tamarinds, almonds. And they shall not bless Egyptian figs nor garlic nor onions nor any kind of gourds nor any vegetables: nor shall they offer any other fruits except flowers of rose. And all which they shall eat, they shall eat with thanksgiving to God, to whom be glory. Give thanks to him while ye take the fruits.

Now Moses, upon his hearing for a good while that the people were tumultuous, was afraid that they would attempt some other innovation, and that some great and sad calamity would be the consequence. He called the multitude to a congregation, and patiently heard what apology they had to make for themselves, without opposing them, and this lest he should imbitter the multitude: he only desired the heads of the tribes to bring their rods, with the names of their tribes inscribed upon them, and that he should receive the priesthood in whose rod God should give a sign. This was agreed to. So the rest brought their rods, as did Aaron also, who had written the tribe of Levi on his rod. These rods Moses laid up in the tabernacle of God. On the next day he brought out the rods, which were known from one another by those who brought them, they having distinctly noted them, as had the multitude also; and as to the rest, in the same form Moses had received them, in that they saw them still; but they also saw buds and branches grown out of Aaron's rod, with ripe fruits upon them; they were almonds, the rod having been cut out of that tree. The people were so amazed at this strange sight, that though Moses and Aaron were before under some degree of hatred, they now laid that hatred aside, and began to admire the judgment of God concerning them; so that hereafter they applauded what God had decreed, and permitted Aaron to enjoy the priesthood peaceably. And thus God ordained him priest three several times, and he retained that honor without further disturbance. And hereby this sedition of the Hebrews, which had been a great one, and had lasted a great while, was at last composed.

The children of Israel gathered together unto Moses and Aaron and said to them, ‘Ye have destroyed the people of the Lord.’ And God said to Moses and Aaron in the tabernacle, ‘ Stand aloof from them, and I will destroy them in a moment.’ Moses said to Aaron, ‘ Take a censer and put fire and incense therein, and go to the people, that God may forgive their sins, for anger has gone forth against them from before the Lord.’ And Aaron put incense in a censer, and went to the people in haste, and he saw death destroying the people unsparingly; but with his censer he separated the living from the dead, and the plague was stayed from them. The number of men whom the plague destroyed at that time of the children of Israel was fourteen thousand and seven hundred, besides those who died with the children of Korah; and Aaron returned to Moses. And God said to Moses, * Let the children of Israel collect from every tribe a rod, and let them write the name of the tribe upon its rod, and the name of Aaron upon (that of) the tribe of Levi, and the rod of the man whom the Lord chooseth shall blossom.’ And they did as God had commanded them, and took the rods and placed them in the tabernacle that day. On the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle, and saw the rod of the house of Levi budding and bearing almonds. And Moses brought out all the rods to the children of Israel, and the sons of Levi were set apart for the service of the priesthood before the Lord.

When do fruits become liable for tithes? Figs from the time they begin to ripe. Grapes and wild grapes in the early stages of ripening. Sumac and mulberries after they become red; [similarly] all red fruits, after they become red. Pomegranates, when the insides become soft. Dates when they begin to swell. Peaches when [red] veins begin to show. Walnuts when the nuts are separate from the shell. Rabbi Judah says: walnuts and almonds, after their inner skins have been formed.

With regard to when vegetables [are liable to tithes]: Cucumbers, gourds, water-melons, cucumber-melons, apples and etrogs are liable [for tithes], whether gathered in the earlier or later stages of ripening. Rabbi Shimon exempts the etrog in the earlier stages. The condition in which bitter almonds are liable [to tithes] is exempt in the case of sweet almonds, and the condition in which sweet almonds are liable [to tithe] is exempt in the case of bitter almonds.

With regard to when vegetables [are liable to tithes]: Cucumbers, gourds, water-melons, cucumber-melons, apples and etrogs are liable [for tithes], whether gathered in the earlier or later stages of ripening. Rabbi Shimon exempts the etrog in the earlier stages. The condition in which bitter almonds are liable [to tithes] is exempt in the case of sweet almonds, and the condition in which sweet almonds are liable [to tithe] is exempt in the case of bitter almonds.

With regard to when vegetables [are liable to tithes]: Cucumbers, gourds, water-melons, cucumber-melons, apples and etrogs are liable [for tithes], whether gathered in the earlier or later stages of ripening. Rabbi Shimon exempts the etrog in the earlier stages. The condition in which bitter almonds are liable [to tithes] is exempt in the case of sweet almonds, and the condition in which sweet almonds are liable [to tithe] is exempt in the case of bitter almonds.

With regard to when vegetables [are liable to tithes]: Cucumbers, gourds, water-melons, cucumber-melons, apples and etrogs are liable [for tithes], whether gathered in the earlier or later stages of ripening. Rabbi Shimon exempts the etrog in the earlier stages. The condition in which bitter almonds are liable [to tithes] is exempt in the case of sweet almonds, and the condition in which sweet almonds are liable [to tithe] is exempt in the case of bitter almonds.

One who bought a domesticated animal for a shelamim offering or a wild animal for non-sacrificial eating, the hide becomes hullin [non-sacred], even though the value of the hide exceeds the value of the flesh. Sealed jars of wine [which were bought] in a place where they were usually sold sealed, the jars are hullin. Walnuts and almonds, their shells become hullin. Grape-skin wine: before it has fermented it cannot be bought with second tithe money, but after it has fermented it may be bought with second tithe money.

[The method of killing] which renders the red cow valid renders the heifer invalid, and the method which renders the heifer valid renders the red cow invalid. [The disability] which does not disqualify priests disqualifies Levites, and [the disability] which does not disqualify Levites disqualifies priests. That which cannot be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels can be rendered unclean in all other vessels, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in all other vessels can be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels. That which cannot be rendered unclean in wooden things can be rendered unclean in metal things, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in metal things can be rendered unclean in wooden things. When bitter almonds are subject to tithing sweet almonds are exempt, and when sweet almonds are subject to tithing bitter almonds are exempt.

[The method of killing] which renders the red cow valid renders the heifer invalid, and the method which renders the heifer valid renders the red cow invalid. [The disability] which does not disqualify priests disqualifies Levites, and [the disability] which does not disqualify Levites disqualifies priests. That which cannot be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels can be rendered unclean in all other vessels, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in all other vessels can be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels. That which cannot be rendered unclean in wooden things can be rendered unclean in metal things, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in metal things can be rendered unclean in wooden things. When bitter almonds are subject to tithing sweet almonds are exempt, and when sweet almonds are subject to tithing bitter almonds are exempt.

[The method of killing] which renders the red cow valid renders the heifer invalid, and the method which renders the heifer valid renders the red cow invalid. [The disability] which does not disqualify priests disqualifies Levites, and [the disability] which does not disqualify Levites disqualifies priests. That which cannot be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels can be rendered unclean in all other vessels, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in all other vessels can be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels. That which cannot be rendered unclean in wooden things can be rendered unclean in metal things, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in metal things can be rendered unclean in wooden things. When bitter almonds are subject to tithing sweet almonds are exempt, and when sweet almonds are subject to tithing bitter almonds are exempt.

[The method of killing] which renders the red cow valid renders the heifer invalid, and the method which renders the heifer valid renders the red cow invalid. [The disability] which does not disqualify priests disqualifies Levites, and [the disability] which does not disqualify Levites disqualifies priests. That which cannot be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels can be rendered unclean in all other vessels, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in all other vessels can be rendered unclean in earthenware vessels. That which cannot be rendered unclean in wooden things can be rendered unclean in metal things, and that which cannot be rendered unclean in metal things can be rendered unclean in wooden things. When bitter almonds are subject to tithing sweet almonds are exempt, and when sweet almonds are subject to tithing bitter almonds are exempt.

If one chops up [fruit] for cooking, even if [the chopping had] not been completely finished, it is not regarded as connected. If his intention had been to pickle or to boil it, or to set it on the table, then it is regarded as connected. If he began to take [the pieces] apart, [only] that part of the food which he began to take apart is not considered connected. Nuts that had been strung together, or onions that had been piled together, count as connected. If he began to take the nuts apart, or to strip the onions, they are not connected. [Shells of] nuts and almonds are considered connected [with the edible part] until they are crushed.

MISHNAH: Among trees, pears and golden apples, quince and sorbs are not kilaim one with the other. Apple and ḥizrar, peaches and almonds, jujubes and lotus fruit, even though they resemble one another, they are kilaim one with the other.

It was stated: If a Gentile grafted walnut on a peach stump, a Jew, even though he is not permitted to do this, may take a shoot and go and plant it at another location. What results from them? Persian qdryh. If he crosses beet and purslain, a Jew, even though he is not permitted to do this, may take a seed and go and plant it at another location. What results from them? Groundsel. Zargun and turnips, what results from them? Parsley. Almonds and terebinths, what results from them? Pistachios. Olive trees and pomegranate trees, what results from them? Zizyphus.

MISHNAH: From when are fruits subject to tithes? Figs from the moment they start to ripen, grapes and wild grapes when they start to produce sap. Sumac and mulberries when they start to become red, and all red fruits when they start to become red. Pomegranates when they become soft, dates when they start to become bloated. Peaches when they get stripes, walnuts when they form a container. Rebbi Jehudah says, walnuts and almonds when they develop a shell. Carobs from when they become spotted, and all black ones when they become spotted. Pears, golden apples, quince, and sorbs, when they get bald, and all white ones when they get bald. Fenugreek so that a new plant grows. And olives when they contain a third.

“Walnuts and almonds when they form a container. Rebbi Jehudah says, walnuts and almonds when they develop a shell. They said, the inner skin close to the edible part. The Sages agree with Rebbi Jehudah regarding filberts, pistachios, pine nuts, when they develop a shell.”

“Walnuts and almonds when they form a container. Rebbi Jehudah says, walnuts and almonds when they develop a shell. They said, the inner skin close to the edible part. The Sages agree with Rebbi Jehudah regarding filberts, pistachios, pine nuts, when they develop a shell.”

MISHNAH: Of vegetables green melons, pumpkins, water melons, sweet melons, [also] apples and cedrats are obligated large and small. Rebbi Simeon frees cedrats when they are small. What is obligated among bitter almonds is free among sweet almonds; what is obligated among the sweet is free among the bitter.

MISHNAH: Of vegetables green melons, pumpkins, water melons, sweet melons, [also] apples and cedrats are obligated large and small. Rebbi Simeon frees cedrats when they are small. What is obligated among bitter almonds is free among sweet almonds; what is obligated among the sweet is free among the bitter.

“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. If they are brought up, they already are free. Rebbi Phineas instructed: After one saw three with detached outer shell, he gives heave for the entire box. Rebbi Mana said, only he may not give heave from one box for another.

“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. If they are brought up, they already are free. Rebbi Phineas instructed: After one saw three with detached outer shell, he gives heave for the entire box. Rebbi Mana said, only he may not give heave from one box for another.

“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. If they are brought up, they already are free. Rebbi Phineas instructed: After one saw three with detached outer shell, he gives heave for the entire box. Rebbi Mana said, only he may not give heave from one box for another.

MISHNAH: If somebody buys a domestic animal for a well-being offering or a wild animal for meat of desire, the hide becomes profane even though it may be worth more than the meat. [If he buys] sealed wine jugs at a place where jugs usually are sold sealed, the pitcher becomes profane. The shells of walnuts and almonds become profane. Afterwine before it fermented cannot be bought with tithe money; after it fermented it may be bought with tithe money. If somebody buys a wild animal for a well-being offering or a domestic animal for meat of desire, the hide does not become profane. [If he buys] open wine jugs or sealed ones at a place where wine usually is sold from the barrel, the pitcher does not become profane. [If he buys] baskets of figs and baskets of grapes sold with the vessel, the price money of the vessel does not become profane.

HALAKHAH: Rebbi Jonah asked: Therefore, not breakable almonds?

When the ark was hidden, there were hidden with it the flask of Manna, the bottle of anointing oil, Aaron’s staff with its almonds and flowers, and the chest which the Philistines returned as a reparation sacrifice for Israel’s God. Who hid it? Josiah hid it. When he saw that it was written: The Eternal will lead you and your king whom you will have put above you, to a people whom neither you nor your fathers had known, he started and hid it. That is what is written: He said to the Levites, who instruct all of Israel, the ones holy to the Eternal, put the Ark into the House that Salomon, son of David, King of Israel, built; you do not have to carry it on your shoulder.” He said, if it is exiled with you to Babylonia, you will never return it to its place. But now, serve the Eternal, your God, and his people Israel.

When the ark was hidden, there were hidden with it the flask of Manna, the bottle of anointing oil, Aaron’s staff with its flowers and almonds, and the chest which the Philistines returned as a reparation sacrifice for Israel’s God. Who hid it? Josiah! When he saw that it was written: “The Eternal will lead you and your king whom you will have put above you, to a people whom neither you nor your fathers had known,” he started and hid it. That is what is written: “He said to the Levites, who instruct all of Israel, the ones holy to the Eternal, put the Ark into the House that Salomon, son of David, king of Israel, built; you do not have to carry it on your shoulder.” He said, if it is exiled with you to Babylonia, you will never return it to its place. But “ now, serve the Eternal, your God, and his people Israel.”

Can we say that the following supports [R. Hisda's view]: If he covered it according to the rule, and adorned it with embroidered hangings and sheets, and hung in it nuts, almonds, peaches, pomegranates, bunches of grapes, wreaths of ears of corn, [vials of] wine, oil or fine flour, it is forbidden to make use of them

It happened that Ḥoni, the Circle-drawer, was asked to pray for rain, etc. Our Rabbis have taught: It happened once that the greater part of the month of Adar had passed and no rain had yet fallen. Ḥoni the Circle-drawer was therefore asked to pray that rain should fall. He did so, but rain did not fall. He then drew a circle and placed himself in its center, as did the prophet Habakkuk, who said (Habakkuk, 2. 1): "I will stand upon my watch," and said before God: "Master of the world! Thy children have set their face upon me, because I am, as it were, Thy intimate. I swear by Thy great Name that I will not move from here until Thou showest mercy to Thy children." Rain began to trickle. The people therefore said to him: Master, we see thee, and this is a warranty to us that we shall not die, but it seems to us that this rain comes only in order to free thee from thy oath. "Ye have seen me and ye shall not die," Ḥoni replied, and continuing his prayer said, "Not for such rain did I pray, but for rain sufficient to fill the cisterns, ditches and caves." The rain then came down with vehemence, each drop as big as the opening of a barrel, and the Rabbis estimated that none of them contained less than a log. The people again said to him: Master, we see thee, and this is a warranty that we shall not die, but it seems to us that this rain comes only to destroy the world. "Ye have seen me and ye shall not die," he replied, and then continued: "Not for such rain did I pray, but for a rain of benevolence, blessing and graciousness!" The rain then continued coming in proper measure so that the Israelites had to go up from the streets of Jerusalem to the Temple Mount on account of the rain. They then said to him: "Just as thou hast prayed for the rain to come, so pray now that it should stop." He, however, replied: "I have a tradition that it is not proper to pray for the cessation of too much good; however, bring ye to me a bullock for the confession of my sins!" They brought him a bullock, upon which Ḥoni laid both his hands and said: "Master of the world! Thy people Israel, whom Thou hast brought out of Egypt, can stand neither too much good, nor too much punishment; when Thou becamest wroth (withholding rain), they could not stand it, and now that Thou hast showered much good upon them, they again cannot stand it; let it be Thy will that there be ease in the world." Immediately the wind blew, the clouds dispersed and the sun began to shine and the people went out into the field and brought home morils and truffles. Thereupon Simeon b. Shetaḥ sent word to Ḥoni saying: "Wert thou not Ḥoni I would order thy excommunication; if these years were like those of Elijah, would not the name of God be profaned through thee? However, what can I do since thou behavest petulantly before God as a son behaves before his father, who then grants the son's desire, so that if the son says to him, bathe me in warm water, the father bathes him in warm water; wash me with cold water, he washes him in cold water; give me nuts, peaches, almonds and pomegranates, he gives him nuts, peaches, almonds and pomegranates. With regard to one like thee Scripture says (Proverbs, 23.25): 'Let thy father and thy mother be glad, and let her that bore thee rejoice.'"

It happened that Ḥoni, the Circle-drawer, was asked to pray for rain, etc. Our Rabbis have taught: It happened once that the greater part of the month of Adar had passed and no rain had yet fallen. Ḥoni the Circle-drawer was therefore asked to pray that rain should fall. He did so, but rain did not fall. He then drew a circle and placed himself in its center, as did the prophet Habakkuk, who said (Habakkuk, 2. 1): "I will stand upon my watch," and said before God: "Master of the world! Thy children have set their face upon me, because I am, as it were, Thy intimate. I swear by Thy great Name that I will not move from here until Thou showest mercy to Thy children." Rain began to trickle. The people therefore said to him: Master, we see thee, and this is a warranty to us that we shall not die, but it seems to us that this rain comes only in order to free thee from thy oath. "Ye have seen me and ye shall not die," Ḥoni replied, and continuing his prayer said, "Not for such rain did I pray, but for rain sufficient to fill the cisterns, ditches and caves." The rain then came down with vehemence, each drop as big as the opening of a barrel, and the Rabbis estimated that none of them contained less than a log. The people again said to him: Master, we see thee, and this is a warranty that we shall not die, but it seems to us that this rain comes only to destroy the world. "Ye have seen me and ye shall not die," he replied, and then continued: "Not for such rain did I pray, but for a rain of benevolence, blessing and graciousness!" The rain then continued coming in proper measure so that the Israelites had to go up from the streets of Jerusalem to the Temple Mount on account of the rain. They then said to him: "Just as thou hast prayed for the rain to come, so pray now that it should stop." He, however, replied: "I have a tradition that it is not proper to pray for the cessation of too much good; however, bring ye to me a bullock for the confession of my sins!" They brought him a bullock, upon which Ḥoni laid both his hands and said: "Master of the world! Thy people Israel, whom Thou hast brought out of Egypt, can stand neither too much good, nor too much punishment; when Thou becamest wroth (withholding rain), they could not stand it, and now that Thou hast showered much good upon them, they again cannot stand it; let it be Thy will that there be ease in the world." Immediately the wind blew, the clouds dispersed and the sun began to shine and the people went out into the field and brought home morils and truffles. Thereupon Simeon b. Shetaḥ sent word to Ḥoni saying: "Wert thou not Ḥoni I would order thy excommunication; if these years were like those of Elijah, would not the name of God be profaned through thee? However, what can I do since thou behavest petulantly before God as a son behaves before his father, who then grants the son's desire, so that if the son says to him, bathe me in warm water, the father bathes him in warm water; wash me with cold water, he washes him in cold water; give me nuts, peaches, almonds and pomegranates, he gives him nuts, peaches, almonds and pomegranates. With regard to one like thee Scripture says (Proverbs, 23.25): 'Let thy father and thy mother be glad, and let her that bore thee rejoice.'"