The Foundation's logo, a pomegranate with the Foundation's initials within it, was designed by artist Neil Yerman. But what do pomegranates have to do with apples and apple seeds? The pomegranate is a Jewish apple with a long and venerable history. One of the seven native plant species mentioned
many times in the Bible, the pomegranate was a symbol associated with service to the Jewish people. In the Book of Exodus (28:33�35) God instructs Moses to have a special garment made for Aaron, the High Priest. The garment is to have a border around the hem made of woven blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates alternated with small gold bells. God tells Moses that the purpose of the bells is to act as a protective device for Aaron when he enters the Holy of Holies, God's home on earth. A copy of an article by Rabbi David discussing the function of this design is available on request from the Foundation.
Archaeologists in Israel have found pomegranates decorating many different types of Israelite ritual objects. In the ancient Near East, the pomegranate was believed to be a sign of fertility, perhaps because of the many seeds found inside, and because of the blood-red nature of its juice. Pomegranate trees are very hearty and thrive well in Israel's dessert climate, as well as in the hill country of Jerusalem.
The rabbis of the Talmud and later generations also found the pomegranate of interest. There is a rabbinic teaching that the pomegranate has 613 seeds which correspond with the 613 commandments found in the Torah.
When the Jewish Appleseed Foundation was established almost four years ago, we looked for a name and for a symbol that would articulate the Foundation's mission. We were to be an organization that served a wide variety of communities in many different ways. We knew that we might never see the "complete" results of our work. However, one of inspirations was the rabbinic proverb that reminds us that we do not have to complete the work, but that we may not abstain from beginning it. The story of Johnny Appleseed came to mind. Suddenly, the phrase Jewish Appleseed was born and felt right. We were Jews dedicated to seeding Jewish knowledge and Jewish life.
But what was a Jewish apple? What was a Jewish apple seed? It was the pomegranate: its thick skin hides the treasures within, which can only be discovered by cutting open the fruit. We hope to open up the fertile fruit of Judaism for people who have become isolated from mainstream communities, or who are considered by larger organizations not statistically important enough to bother with. By working with fragile communities and Jews who have become distanced from Judaism, we hope to help bring healing to the lives of individuals, communities, and to the world.
|
|
|
Previous page