The Torah (Deuteronomy 8:8) describes the Promised Land – Israel – as “a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and [date] honey.” From here, we learn that these seven species are not just examples of what Israel has to offer agriculturally, but also represent the divine abundance showered upon the land and the people of Israel, supporting life and generational continuity through the ages. From physical sustenance to spiritual energy, these 7 species symbolize the everlasting blessing upon the land.
Since 1788, Colel Chabad has operated a charity that not only provides essentials to the needy in Israel, but also channels biblical ideas into tangible acts of chesed. Over 26,000 baskets filled with food are delivered every month with compassion and dignity to needy families across Israel through its social initiatives and various programs.
As Tu B’shvat ( the Jewish New Year of the trees) approaches, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on how the 7 species with a special connection to Israel can sustain more than just bodies. With Colel Chabad, these special natural products from the Land of Israel can nourish the souls and spirits of the people living there.
Biblical Roots of the Seven Species of Israel Meet Modern Need
What Are the Seven Species of Israel?
The Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is known to be blessed with are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. These were the primary agricultural foundations of ancient Israel. They not only provided food and sustenance for the people, but also represented spiritual abundance. Each one has been linked in Kabbalistic tradition to specific divine attributes, from chesed (kindness) to malchut (sovereignty).
Wheat, for example, denotes chesed – kindness, symbolic of the generosity in simple nourishment. Barley, a rougher grain used in animal feed, connects to the idea of Gevurah – discipline and strength. Grapes and wine, used in celebrations, rituals, and on holidays, represent tiferet – beauty and harmony. Figs reflect Netzach – endurance; pomegranates – Hod (splendor and gratitude, source of the word Hodah); olives – Yesod (foundation and continuity); and dates (or date honey) point to Malchut – grounded energy.
These attributes are echoed throughout Jewish rituals. We see this in the tradition of eating these foods at a Tu B’shvat seder and discussing their spiritual significance. This is a mindful way of elevating the physical to a higher plane.
Meeting Modern Needs with Sacred Roots
Life in Israel is sustained through these 7 species – not only with physical nourishment, but with the actualization of the divine attributes by the people. As Jewish poverty levels rise in Israel, Colel Chabad stands at the forefront of Jewish charitable organizations, bringing abundance to the needy and transforming the idea of chesed into practical kindness and generosity in nourishing the needy. When there is a genuine issue of pikuach nefesh – preserving the sanctity of human life – Colel Chabad is there to make sure nobody is left behind. This connection between nourishment and holiness becomes especially visible during the High Holidays of Judaism, when food is not only sustenance but a central expression of dignity, continuity, and communal care.
Through its partnership in Israel’s National Food Security Initiative, Colel Chabad helps ensure that the needy across Israel receive the support they need, providing hunger relief to thousands of families every month. With transparency and municipal audits across every part of the operation, donors are assured that every dollar and shekel is stretched to the fullest, ranking it among the top Israeli charities. This productive partnership has become a backbone of food support for widows, orphans, Holocaust survivors, single parents, and low-income families.
Seven Species in Action
Colel Chabad brings the history of the Jewish faith into modern practice, focusing not only on providing hunger relief but also on infusing its programs with traditional meaning and core Jewish values.
For Tu B’shvat, over 100,000 special baskets are delivered, filled with food items inspired by the 7 Species. Recipients can enjoy this holiday and others with:
Wheat and Barley
Dates and figs
Olive Oil
Grapes and Pomegranates
Tu B’shvat can be celebrated by all across the country with:
- Food kitchens in Jerusalem that serve hot meals prepared with ingredients connected to the seven species, bringing holiday flavor to everyday nourishment.
- Non-profit supermarkets stock items inspired by the seven species at affordable prices
- The Blavatnik Jewish Food Bank makes nationwide deliveries to those unable to travel due to age or disability.
Nobody is left out of the celebration – especially those who need it most. For example, the cook at Beis Finger MS residence and rehabilitation center made sure a lavish Tu B’shvat feast was prepared for the residents, ensuring a holiday of enjoyment for all.
Stories of Impact: Lives Transformed by the Seven Species of Israel
Behind every food package that provides food security in Israel is a real person whose life has been improved by the Hebrew compassion of others.
A widow raising three children on her own shared how her children ask for “the pomegranate box” each Tu B’Shvat, knowing it means treats and warmth are on the way. Now they enjoy the day’s meaning, while also knowing that essentials such as basic food items and baby formula are provided.
An elderly couple in Be’er Sheva received a package containing wheat flour, figs, and olive oil, allowing them to bake challah and share a holiday meal with neighbors for the first time in years.
Colel Chabad doesn’t merely distribute food and aid. It goes beyond the deeper meaning of the mitzvot, infusing hunger relief with spiritual significance rooted in Jewish values and beliefs. As the oldest continuously operating tzedakah organization in Israel, Jewish rituals and tradition are a foundational part of its modus operandi. On Tu B’shvat and other holidays, those in need across Israel can celebrate with dignity because of this.
How to Give Back
The divine gifts showered upon the Land of Israel are still feeding its people today – but they need your help to continue bringing this to practical fruition.
You can bring the history of the Jewish faith alive today with a Chabad donation. Here are a few ways to get the blessing of the 7 species out of the books and straight into the betterment of lives in Israel.
- Generate continuous tzedakah giving by setting up a recurring Chabad donation.
- Sponsor a soup kitchen meal, bringing hunger relief to the needy
- Volunteer with programs like Pantry Packers Israel or help prepare holiday seders
Your support today brings 3000 years of tradition to modern urgent needs. Take your place in history as a part of the sacred mission to nourish the body and soul of the people of Israel. Whether you give once or set up a continuous pattern of generosity with tamid, every act of kindness is another link in the sacred chain.
Make your Chabad donation today.
FAQ: Seven Species of Israel
Does Colel Chabad include the 7 Species in aid?
Yes – wheat, barley, figs, dates, pomegranates, olives, and grapes are incorporated into seasonal and regular food packages and non-profit groceries, particularly during Tu B’shvat. These items both reflect Jewish tradition and meet nutritional needs.
Which regions of Israel receive the most distributions of the Seven Species of Israel from Colel Chabad?
Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, Tzfat, and surrounding areas are included in these initiatives, with support extending nationwide through the Blavatnik Food Bank and food distributions. Aid is prioritized based on need, particularly for elderly and immobile populations.
How can I sponsor an Israeli food package for a family through Colel Chabad?
You can sponsor a food package directly through Colel Chabad’s donation page. Choose a one-time gift or join the special Tamid donors who provide monthly generosity to support families year-round.
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