Olives 

זית

Struggle : There is another great mystery of the human state: the fact that we are at our most innovative and resourceful when faced by limits and constrictions. It may be as benign as the deadline for an office project or as momentous as a national crisis--we're at our best when we're pressed, and our most sublime juices are squeezed out of us in response to challenging, even oppressive, conditions. This is the sixth soul-quality, represented by the "olive"--the power to translate challenge and adversary into a potent force for transformation and achievement...
Rabbi Yanki Tauber, "Seven Fruits of the Soul"




The small olive tree
Holds its own in winter.
Winds toss leafy branches -
Like unloosed tresses to and fro -
Its upturned leaves show silver.

Trees blossom -olives are pressed -
The dove sings -
And then the oil comes
That once anointed the heads of kings.















A song of ascents, by David. 
Behold, how good and how pleasant is the dwelling of brothers, moreover, in unity. 2. Like the precious oil upon the head running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down over his garments. 3. Like the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there Hashem has commanded the blessing. May there be life forever!   
Psalm 133








Olives in the Crush 

     

  Pressing out olives to light gives birth-
               Only if pressed do you find what you're worth.



1. A song of ascents. Praiseworthy is each person who fears Hashem, who walks in His path. 2. When you eat the labor of your hands, you are praiseworthy, and it is well with you. 3. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the inner chambers of your your home; your children shall be like olive shoots surrounding your table.
4. Behold! For so is blessed the man who fears Hashem. 5. May Hashem bless you from Zion, and may you gaze upon the goodness of Jerusalem, all the days of your life. 6. And may you see children born to your children, peace upon Israel.  Psalm 128  -  Olives, Grapes

1. A song of ascents, by David. Behold, how good and how pleasant is the dwelling of brothers, moreover, in unity. 2. Like the precious oil upon the head running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down over his garments. 3. Like the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there Hashem has commanded the blessing. May there be life forever!   Psalm 133  -  Oil

“… How awesome are Your works!” (Psalms 66:3)