During Na'il's memorial service on Sunday March 15, 2009 in the Ilanot School, five trees were planted in his honour. Following is additional information about the specific trees.Elah – Terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus). The tree is also called ‘turpentine tree’, native to the Mediterranean region.
There are two species of ‘terebinth’ in the Middle East: the “Atlantic pistacia” and the “Palestine pistacia”. The Atlantic specie is the larger one and therefore assumed to be the one referred to in the Scriptures. The trees reach a very large size, can live up to one thousand years, and is the largest tree in Israel in recent history. It can reach a height of 12 metres and yield up to 2 kilograms of resin (turpentine). The terebinth develops a very deep and extensive root system and therefore remains green even in years of drought. It often sprouts from the stump after being cut (like Isaiah notes in 6:13).
In Biblical times this tree served as a site for worship and respected dead were buried under these trees. Elah – comes from the Hebrew “El” – god. The Elah is usually associated with strength and sturdiness, and often is translated in the Bible with ‘oak’. Abraham camped near an Elah, a magnificent symbol of refuge and refreshment. The Terebinth stood as a solitary source of welcome shade under the burning desert sun.
Because of its large size and great age, Terebinths were well-known landmarks and used as memorials for the dead.
Gideon was called by God when he stood by a large Terebinth. (Judges 6:11)
David faced Goliath in the Elah Valley (1 Samuel 17:2). Absalom’s hair caught in the branches of a large Terebinth. (2 Samuel 18:9).
Alon – Oak. Often translated in the Bible as ‘big tree’. Six species are found in Israel, which Hebrew authors have described. The Alon, like the Tabor oak, is a large deciduous tree that dominates its surroundings. This tree was also often associated with ritual and religious customs. Tabor oak forests once covered lager areas of Israel’s northern Coastal Plain, the Lower Galilee, the Hulah Valley and the slopes of the Golan. Most were cut down, to be used for buildings, furniture and boats. The Jewish National Fund is replanting the hills with these trees again, restoring the area to its former glory.
Klil ha Choresh - Judas Tree (Cercis sliquastrum)
The tree got its name because of the myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself after he betrayed Jesus, and the tree blushed with shame.
Possibly, the name is a corrupted derivation from the French common name Arbre de Judée, tree of Judea, referring to the region where the tree occurred.
This small tree can reach a height of 12 meters and has deep pink flowers, produced when the tree is older than one year. In late spring, the extravagant flowers simply drip from every conceivable point along the branches and trunk. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees. In Autumn the tree produces a mass of purple pods.
You can read more about it on the “Celebrating a Life” blog. (see blog lists)
There are two species of ‘terebinth’ in the Middle East: the “Atlantic pistacia” and the “Palestine pistacia”. The Atlantic specie is the larger one and therefore assumed to be the one referred to in the Scriptures. The trees reach a very large size, can live up to one thousand years, and is the largest tree in Israel in recent history. It can reach a height of 12 metres and yield up to 2 kilograms of resin (turpentine). The terebinth develops a very deep and extensive root system and therefore remains green even in years of drought. It often sprouts from the stump after being cut (like Isaiah notes in 6:13).
In Biblical times this tree served as a site for worship and respected dead were buried under these trees. Elah – comes from the Hebrew “El” – god. The Elah is usually associated with strength and sturdiness, and often is translated in the Bible with ‘oak’. Abraham camped near an Elah, a magnificent symbol of refuge and refreshment. The Terebinth stood as a solitary source of welcome shade under the burning desert sun.
Because of its large size and great age, Terebinths were well-known landmarks and used as memorials for the dead.
Gideon was called by God when he stood by a large Terebinth. (Judges 6:11)
David faced Goliath in the Elah Valley (1 Samuel 17:2). Absalom’s hair caught in the branches of a large Terebinth. (2 Samuel 18:9).
Alon – Oak. Often translated in the Bible as ‘big tree’. Six species are found in Israel, which Hebrew authors have described. The Alon, like the Tabor oak, is a large deciduous tree that dominates its surroundings. This tree was also often associated with ritual and religious customs. Tabor oak forests once covered lager areas of Israel’s northern Coastal Plain, the Lower Galilee, the Hulah Valley and the slopes of the Golan. Most were cut down, to be used for buildings, furniture and boats. The Jewish National Fund is replanting the hills with these trees again, restoring the area to its former glory.Klil ha Choresh - Judas Tree (Cercis sliquastrum)
The tree got its name because of the myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself after he betrayed Jesus, and the tree blushed with shame.
Possibly, the name is a corrupted derivation from the French common name Arbre de Judée, tree of Judea, referring to the region where the tree occurred.
This small tree can reach a height of 12 meters and has deep pink flowers, produced when the tree is older than one year. In late spring, the extravagant flowers simply drip from every conceivable point along the branches and trunk. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees. In Autumn the tree produces a mass of purple pods.
You can read more about it on the “Celebrating a Life” blog. (see blog lists)
