Israel 1958-1959 Rosh Hashanah "Seven Species"

The seven species and their relationship with the land of Israel are first mentioned in the Torah at Devarim (Deuteronomy) 8: 8 which describes Israel as ‘a land of wheat, and barley, and vines; of fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey.’ 

In Hebrew, they are known collectively as the shivat minim (‘seven species’).

The ‘honey’ referred to in the verse is not bee’s honey but rather date honey, a thick syrup made from dates which in biblical times was used to sweeten foods (sugar was unknown in the ancient Middle East).

Olive oil in biblical times was used not only for cooking but also for lighting (candles consisted of a small bowl of olive oil with a wick). Additionally, it was used for skin care as a moisturiser and ointment, and for greasing items such as wagon wheels.

In halachah (Jewish law), these seven foods have an elevated status because of their special relationship with the holy land of Israel. This is most clearly seen in the special brachah achronah (blessing after eating) reserved specifically for these seven foods which mentions the foods by name (in contrast, other foods are not mentioned by name when saying a blessing after eating them).

As the seven species were all indigenous to the land of Israel, it is not surprising that they featured among the offerings brought to the Temple, especially on the festival of Shavuot when ‘first fruits’ were brought as an offering.

The seven species have often been used in artwork to represent the land of Israel.

The "Israel's Seven Species" stamp set was issued in 1958 & 1959 to celebrate and honor the agricultural heritage of the Land of Israel. The stamp series was specifically released to mark Israel's National Agricultural Year (also called "The Year of the Farmer" or "The Agricultural Jubilee"). This year was focused on promoting and celebrating Israel's agricultural achievements, particularly in the development of the land and the cultivation of crops that are central to Jewish tradition and the country's economy.

Year of the Farmer was a full year, from: 

Rosh Hashanah 5719 (September 24, 1958) to Rosh Hashanah 5720 (September 14, 1959).

The Seven Species, which are deeply symbolic in Jewish culture and the Bible, were chosen to represent the connection between the people of Israel and their land. The stamps featured illustrations of each of the Seven Species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Each stamp depicted one of these iconic agricultural products, emphasizing their importance in both biblical and contemporary Jewish life.

27 August 1958

9 Sep 1959