Letters From Our Mailbox

We receive questions from around the world. Here are some examples of the breadth of your curiosity!

Dear Neot Kedumim,

I noticed in your newsletter the reference to eggs on your biblical menu. I believe that the chicken was unknown to Jews in biblical times, not arriving in Israel until around the beginning of the Common Era. In fact, I understand that Josephus records a debate between the Sages of the Gallil and those of Judea as to whether the chicken is even kosher (Obviously, that was eventually settled with a positive answer). Dove eggs may have appeared on a biblical menu, but they would have been far more of a delicacy than the present chicken egg. The dove is nowhere near as prolific a producer of eggs as is the chicken. I would appreciate a response from someone at Neot Kedumim (of which I am a supporter and great fan).

Thank you, AA, New York , USA

Dear AA,

Thanks for your interesting question.
You're right, chickens were not raised domestically during biblical times. People then gathered eggs from wild birds. Chickens were raised during the times of the Mishna (second century).
Thanks for your support and enthusiasm!
Shalom and all best wishes,

Beth Uval, Neot Kedumim

Dear Neot Kedumim,

I'm a member of the Connecticut Unit of The Herb Society of America.
I read with interest the profile of your current activities and write to inquire about Neot Kedumim. My husband and I will be in Israel this summer and would like to visit Neot Kedumim. We may only have 1/2 a day to visit and I wonder if you have some suggestions about the highlights of the reserve. Also, is there someone I may contact now via email or later when in Israel for more information.

Thanks, SE, Connecticut , USA

Dear SE,
You are about to experience one of the "hidden treasures" of Israel .  If you choose to see the reserve on your own, you can pick up a map and a self-guided tour book at the entrance and wander around to your heart's content.
The highlights really depend upon your interests.  We offer everything from an exploration of the 4 species of Sukkot, to a reconstructed ancient village.  You can walk down into a cistern and experience what Joseph must have felt when his brothers left him in one of these.  You can learn the significance of the intercalation of the calendar. You can follow the path of "grain, grapes, and olives", and learn how these 3 most important crops of ancient Israel are connected.  “The Song of Songs” is full of botanical metaphors.  We have created a trail devoted to them.  Etc., etc., etc.!
Basically, there are 4 main trails for you to explore either on your own with the self-guided booklet or with a personal guide. Needless to say, experiencing the reserve with the guide will make your time at Neot Kedumim much richer. If you are interested in learning more about the private guide option, please let me know, as well as letting me know if I may answer any questions.  You are really about to have the experience of a lifetime.
Shalom,
Paula Tobenfeld President, AFNK
AFNK

Dear Neot Kedumim,

Did Neot Kedumim have any special programs to celebrate Israel ’s Independence Day?

LS, Toronto, Canada

Dear LS,

The expected 500 Canadian visitors were divided into small groups. Each group had a tour with one of the NK guides relating to the emblem of Israel. Integrated into the tours were a musical ensemble, a small play, and preparing kali [roasted wheat kernels].
Additionally, there was a tour on the tiyurit [NK’s tour train] with an appropriate (English) recording. A circle of drummers (an activity that is new at Neot Kedumim) and recording artist David Broza were the grand finale.
David Broza were the grand finale. There were other programs such as mountain bike riding tours (meeting the guides along the route), rock climbing, and archery. Delicious food was offered by one of Israel ’s better caterers.
I hope this provides you with a picture of what took place. There were many more visitors here on Yom Ha’Atzmaut [Independence Day]. This was just a sampling of what we offered.

Shalom, Dina Kohl, Neot Kedumim