This is an advertisement on behalf of the Hebrew Beekeepers Association in the Land of Israel calling on housewives to purchase honey made in Israel.
The poster states that the beekeepers are providing honey at this difficult time – probably alluding to the conflict between the Jewish and Arab populations during the British Mandate. The poster goes on to refer to the biblical name given to the Land of Israel, the Land of Milk and Honey. The beekeepers explain that a large amount of honey has already been gathered in warehouses, and if it is not purchased, they will not be able to organise the following year’s harvest. They are therefore appealing to the Jewish population to buy honey from the young Jewish honey industry in Israel. They note that honey is the most healthy food and call on mothers to feed it to their babies. (This is especially interesting due to the fact that today the Ministry of Health recommends not giving honey to infants under the age of one.)
Would You Like to Know More?
Agriculture and Zionism - An important theme in the modern Zionist ideology was the importance of conquering and being connected to the land. The Zionism movement strived to create a new productive Jew, for example, a farmer who tills the land. Two types of rural villages were created that are unique to Israel: kibbutzim and moshavim. Kibbutzim were based on socialist-Zionist principles with shared ownership and responsibilities. The first kibbutz was Degania, which was established in 1909. In the beginning, kibbutzim relied mostly on agriculture; however, in later years, kibbutzim branched out to include manufacturing and services. More recently, most kibbutzim have modified their traditional collective approach and are in various stages of privatization. Moshavim were cooperative, but not communal, rural communities. Members own their own property and businesses but cooperate when beneficial to the group. Nahalal, founded in 1921, was the first moshav. Currently, about eight percent of the Israeli population lives in rural areas.
Rosh Hashanah – Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year which takes place on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It is celebrated by blowing the shofar, lighting candles, eating festive meals, and attending services at the synagogue. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy days which end 10 days later with Yom Kippur. The ten-day period is called the Ten Days of Repentance, because it is believed that during this period a person’s deeds are judged and the future year is decided. It is a both a festive holiday and a solemn time of introspection which includes prayer, asking forgiveness from others, and giving tzedakah (charity). The prayers on Rosh Hashanah include asking God for a peaceful, prosperous, and healthy year. Rosh Hashanah also celebrates the creation of the world. People greet each other on Rosh Hashanah by saying: “Shana Tova (Happy New Year).” Food customs for Rosh Hashanah vary among the different communities but often include round challahs (instead of the customary long loaf), apples and honey, and pomegranates. Many people send Shana Tova cards to their friends and family.
