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The HAMIZRACHI GUIDE to the SEVEN SPECIES

The Seven Species

of the Land of Israel

are identified in the description ךָי ֶקלֹ ֱא 'ה י ִכּ
from the Torah ...ה ָבוֹט ץ ֶר ֶא ל ֶא ךָ ֲאי ִֽב ְמ

ה ָרֹע ְשׂוּ ה ָטּ ִח ץ ֶר ֶא

ןוֹמּ ִר ְו ה ָנ ֵא ְתוּ ן ֶפ ֶג ְו

שׁ ָֽב ְדוּ ן ֶמ ֶׁש תי ֵז ץ ֶר ֶא

“For the L-rd your G-d is bringing you into a good Land...a
Land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates,

a Land of olive trees and honey” (Devarim 8:7-8).

These seven species are specifically connected to the Land of Israel and there is a
mitzvah to bring the first of these fruits (Bikkurim) to the Beit HaMikdash. There is
also a special blessing – Al HaMichya – one says after having eaten any of these
species (apart from bread of course, after which one says Birkat HaMazon).

Israel produces many other fruits and grains. What is so significant about these seven
species? On a basic level, these seven are unique in that they provide the necessary nutrients
for sustenance. Some commentaries add that the Land of Israel is the only place in which all
these very diverse species naturally grow in close proximity. In any case, these fruits and
grains were the staple foods of Biblical times, and still maintain a presence across modern
Israel’s landscape. It has become a tradition to taste the Seven Species on Tu BiShvat.