The Olive Tree in Judaism: Symbolism, Health Benefits, and Spiritual Meaning

The olive is mentioned dozens of times in the Bible and is one of the Seven Species with which the Land of Israel is praised. Olive trees grow throughout the country, but they were especially abundant in the biblical territory of the Tribe of Asher in the north, about whom Scripture says: “He dips his foot in oil.”

In rabbinic literature we find that the territory of the Tribe of Yehuda was rich in vineyards; therefore, wine was inexpensive there while olive oil was very costly. By contrast, the territory of the Tribe of Asher abounded in olive groves, making oil inexpensive and wine very expensive.

The olive is first mentioned in the Torah in the story of the Flood, when Noach sent out the dove: “And the dove came back to him toward evening, and behold — an olive leaf plucked was in its mouth.” From this Noah knew that the Flood had ended. Since then, the olive leaf has been accepted among all nations as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and renewal.

Anointing, Offerings, and Sacred Use

Olive oil was used to anoint the kings of Israel and the High Priests for their sacred service. It was also used for libations and offerings in the Temple.

The Olive Tree as a Symbol of Eternity

The olive is an evergreen tree and can live for hundreds of years. For this reason, the prophet Yirmiyahu likens Israel to the olive tree: “The Lord called your name: a leafy olive tree, fair with goodly fruit.”
In Tehillim, the “sweet singer of Israel” says, “But I am like a fresh olive tree,” and also, “I am anointed with fresh oil.” The poet wishes to remain vibrant even in old age, like the olive tree.

In earlier generations, Jewish women would adorn their heads with wreaths of olive branches as a symbol of longevity and fertility, as expressed in the verse: “Your children shall be like olive saplings.”

Olive Oil: Purity and Purpose

The olive has many noble uses, foremost among them the oil extracted from it. Olive oil is called yitzhar and is exceptionally pure, without admixture. It is used for lighting, food, anointing, and medicine.

There are hundreds of olive varieties — some designated primarily for oil production and others for eating, depending on their oil content. Olives contain between 30% and 50% oil, and most varieties are dual-purpose.

Olive oil is distinguished by its clear light, delicate and pleasant flavor, and its remarkable nutritional and health properties.

Green Olives, Black Olives, and Preparation

Green olives are picked while still unripe; black olives are harvested at full ripeness. Fresh olives are extremely bitter and unfit for consumption. Only after soaking in water and curing in salt do they become edible.

Olives serve as a wonderful seasoning, stimulate and improve appetite, and are a key ingredient in many salads. They are rich in iron and vitamin E.

The Olive Tree: Strength and Sanctity

The olive tree itself is exceptionally strong and visually striking. Its wood is used in the production of luxury furniture and works of art. Because the olive is a fruit-bearing tree, the Torah forbids cutting it down. Only when it no longer produces fruit, or yields very little, is it permitted to cut it and make use of the wood.

Harvesting and Global Cultivation

The olive originated in the Land of Israel and from there spread to many regions of the world. Olive harvesting is called mesikah, and oil extraction is called atzirah, performed in an olive press. Just as wine has a winery, oil has an olive press.

In earlier times, the olive was considered the most important and prestigious of all orchards and fruit trees. With the invention of electricity and the discovery of other oils, its importance declined somewhat, but even today it remains one of the world’s most significant crops. Global olive production is estimated at about 10 million tons annually, and several countries — including Israel, export olive oil and cured olives.

Memory, Wisdom, and Segulah

According to rabbinic tradition, eating olives causes forgetfulness, whereas consuming olive oil is a segulah (spiritual benefit) for memory. Many people drink a small teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil every morning before eating in order to stimulate and strengthen memory.

The sages taught: “One who regularly uses olive oil should anticipate the light of Torah.”

Medicinal Uses in Jewish Tradition

Olives and olive oil have many medicinal properties. Olive oil mixed with fresh egg yolk was used as a remedy for coughs and hoarseness. Those suffering from sand or kidney stones were advised to drink a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning before eating.

Applying olive oil to the scalp strengthens hair roots. Asaph the Physician (8th–9th century, Babylonia) wrote: “Olive oil heals intestinal pain, improves digestion, benefits diseases of the palate and teeth, helps ailments of the head, promotes hair growth, increases it, preserves it, and prevents early hair loss.”

For diphtheria, a severe disease, black olives were crushed, fried in olive oil, and used as warm compresses around the neck and throat. Toothaches were treated with a paste made from olive oil and lime. For ear infections, a few drops of warm olive oil were placed in the ear. To reduce high fever, garlic was crushed, mixed with salt and olive oil, and applied to the patient’s face, arms, and legs, inducing sweating and lowering the fever. For severe dry coughs, the chest was rubbed with warm olive oil.

Massage, Infants, and Healing

Massages with olive oil are effective in relieving back pain, joint inflammation, and muscle tension. Olive oil softens the skin and aids in muscle healing. Throughout the generations, our ancestors used olive oil for massage to relieve various pains.

Infants suffering from coughs were given olive oil mixed with honey, with positive results. The sages regarded olive oil as having special spiritual power.

I recall that my late father sent me to study Torah and Mishnah in the evenings with Rabbi Rachamim Melamed HaKohen of blessed memory, who taught me by the light of a lamp fueled with olive oil, as a segulah for clarity and expansion of the mind.

Olive Oil, the Soul, and Sacred Light

Veterans of Eastern Jewish communities, as well as many Chassidic groups, are meticulous about lighting Shabbat candles and memorial candles specifically with olive oil.

The words shemen (oil), neshamah (soul), and Mishnah share the same Hebrew letters. Neshamah alludes to the additional soul of Shabbat and the soul of the departed. Mishnah refers to the study of Mishnah for the elevation of the soul, and all are connected through the lighting of the candle with shemen — oil.

Harvest Time and the Mount of Olives

The olive ripens all at once — what the Mishnah refers to as “making one pool.” The olive harvest follows the grape harvest, as the Talmud says: “The grape harvest ends, and the olive harvest begins.”

Olive trees grow slowly and reach full productivity only after three or four generations.

East of Jerusalem lies the Mount of Olives, near a place called Ma’aleh Zeitim. It is likely that olive groves once grew there. Today, it serves as the most ancient and sacred Jewish cemetery.

“Your Children Like Olive Saplings”

Tehillim chapter 128 states: “Your children shall be like olive saplings around your table.” Why are children compared to olive saplings?

Just as the olive does not accept grafting from other species and all its saplings come from itself, so too your children will not stray into foreign fields. And just as the olive begins bitter and unfit for use — requiring harvesting, crushing, soaking, and effort before it becomes fit for light and food, so too children may begin difficult and challenging. Only through much effort and dedication in their upbringing do parents merit joy and fulfillment from them, until they bring light, goodness, and a good name to their family.

The Blessing on Olives

The blessing recited over olives is: “Blessed are You… who creates the fruit of the tree” (Borei Pri HaEtz).