Shvat ~ Almond שקד shaked

The almond tree is the first to flower and last to fruit in Palestine. Petals of hope amidst the chill of winter, the almond is a symbol of both brevity and new life. The word for almond in Hebrew means “waken” and the flowers of this tree are the first blooms to wake up from the winter slumber. But they also represent patience, as their fruit comes much later. Ancient Hebrews knew Aaron was to be their High Priest when his rod magically sprouted almond blossoms. Almond trees need a good amount of water to fruit. The shape of an almond is like a human eye and thus has been used as protection from the Evil Eye. Here on Turtle Island almond milk’s rise in popularity has led to scarcity of water in California. Just like the flower of the tree is fleeting, so will our water sources be if we don’t keep a watchful eye on our consumption.