Israel the Beautiful: A fruit with 613 different meanings

An inside look at photographer Yehoshua Halevi's collection of pomegranate images in various seasons and stages of growth.

By YEHOSHUA HALEVI
The pomegranate, one of the seven species of the Land of Israel described in the Torah, has in the past several years gained widespread popularity as both an agricultural product and artistic subject.

According to Jewish tradition, pomegranates represent righteousness because each fruit is said to have 613 seeds, the same number of mitzvot found in the Torah.The Torah also states that pomegranates are to be woven into the hem of the robe worn by the High Priest, in turquoise, purple and scarlet wool, a dazzling combination of colors. Just as artists have found innumerable incarnations of the pomegranate in everything from jewelry to housewares, I collect images in various seasons and stages of growth, and the pomegranate continues to fruitfully reward my perseverance.Please join Yehoshua Halevi for a Walk-and-Learn Photography Tour in Jerusalem on the following dates: Oct 21 at 9 a.m.: Jerusalem Botanical Gardens; Oct 23 at 9 a.m.: Old City; Monday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m.: Machane Yehuda; Oct. 30 and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.: Fabulous Fall Foliage; Nov. 1 at 9 a.m.: Yemin Moshe; Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.: Ein Kerem; All tours are NIS 80. To register, please call 054-637-2170.