Immigrating Trees | HebrewOnline Newsletter

Immigrating Trees

The registration for the June semester is open!
Enroll in the June Modern Hebrew course, starting June 21st. Finally! Master and improve your Hebrew skills.

The Biblical Hebrew course starts July 11th. We have only a limited number of places available, so sign up before it is too late.

Or call us - USA & Canada: 1-888-640-1319, UK: 0845-869-7519,
Worldwide: 972-3-7554141

Shalom friends,

When you travel in Israel nowadays, it is difficult to believe that 150 years ago this land was covered with swamps and that only a small number of trees grew here. Most of the trees that glorified this land in the biblical times were either utilized for industrial functions, or eaten by flocks of sheep and goats. The only trees that were not touched were those that were believed to be holy.

In the late 18th century the swamps caused malaria and prevented people from inhabiting many areas of the Promised Land. Eucalyptuses were imported from Australia in the belief that they would help dry the swamps. Although they did not fulfill this hope, they became one of the most prominent trees in Israel. Many other trees “made aliya” (immigrated) to Israel – many were planted in experimental forests, to check their compatibility to the land and were later planted in certain areas for different purposes. Some fulfilled their purposes, whereas other turned out to be obstructive.

The land of Israel, however, looks very different today. The trees that were imported from different countries, now appear as if they were always part of Israel's natural environment, just like the immigrants who came from all over the world assimilated in our state.
In this issue we will meet various trees that immigrated and assimilated in Israel.

בְּרוּכִים הַבָּאִים!
Bruxim haba’im!
Welcome!

שִׁירָה כֹּהֵן-רֶגֶב
Shira Cohen-Regev
The HebrewOnline Team

Hebrew Words

שִׁיטָה כְּחַלְחַלָּה (שִׁיטָה מַכְחִילָה) Agacia Saligna
Transcription: shita kxalxala (shita makxila)
Botanic name: Acacia saligna
Known as: coojong, golden wreath wattle, orange wattle, blue-leafed wattle, Western Australian golden wattle

The Shita was brought to Israel by the British in the early 20th century from Australia, in an attempt to stabilize the sand dunes and create forests.
The Shita spread easily, as it is well adjusted to various kinds of soil. Its seeds have the ability to survive fires and germinate after cutting or burning, therefore the Shita spread easily all over Israel, mainly in disturbed areas, alongside roads, and on the beaches, not allowing the original plants to grow.

אֵיקָלִיפְּטוּס
Transcription: ekaliptus
Scientific name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis

The eucalyptus was brought to Israel from Australia in the late 19th century. The hope was that this tree would dry the swamps that were causing so much trouble to the settlers. Although the eucalyptus trees easily adjusted to the swamps and grew rapidly, they were unsuccessful in actually drying them. The trees, however, created better air in the area and were found useful in other ways. The eucalyptus forests brought bees to the area and improved the honey industry; the wood was used for various purposes, such as railway sleepers and telephone poles. As the eucalyptus trees adjust well to various areas, from very humid to semi-desert areas, they were easily acclimated in Israel. The Arabs called this tree “The Jews’ tree” (segerat el-yahud). Today, the Eucalyptuses are found all over Israel in forests, alongside the roads, and in urban and other populated areas.

פִיקוּס הַשְּׂדֵרוֹת
Transcription: fikus hasderot
Botanic name: Ficus microcarpa

The Ficus was brought to Israel from south-ea Ficus Microcarpa st Asia for beauty and shade purposes. It was planted in the long avenues of Tel-Aviv, as well as other populated areas and fulfilled its purpose.
120 years ago, a different kind of Ficus called Ficus Benghalensis was brought to the Agricultural school of Mikve Israel. Nowadays, this Ficus occupies approximately 30 sq. meters. This tree produces prop roots which grow downwards as slender vines that become woody trunks once they reach the ground. As such, it became the symbol of the school whose students and graduates laid the roots in Erets Israel and took part in building and developing the country.

אִזְדָּרֶכֶת
Transcription: izdarexet
Botanic name: Melia azedarach
This tree was brought to Israel from south-east Asia in the 16th century. During the British Mandate, the tree became more popular as it was planted for aesthetic purposes.

Hebrew Song

The Eucalyptus Forest חֻרְשַׁת הָאֵיקָלִיפְּטוּס
Lyrics and Music: Neomi Shemer מִלִּים וְלַחַן: נָעֳמִי שֶׁמֶר

In this song, Neomi Shemer describes the longing for good-old Erets Israel, as being symbolized by the Eucalyptus Forest.

Translation	Transcription	.
But on the Jordan shore As if nothing happened, The same silence and the same décor. The Eucalyptus forest, The bridge, the boat, And the salty smell on the water.	Aval al xof yarden kmo Me’uma lo kara, Ota hadumiya, vegam ota hataf’ura. Xurshat ha’ekaliptus, hagesher, hasira, Vere’ax hamalu’ax al hamayim.	אֲבָל עַל חוֹף יַרְדֵּן כְּמוֹ מְאוּמָה לֹא קָרָה, אוֹתָהּ הַדּוּמִיָּה, וְגַם אוֹתָהּ הַתַּפְאוּרָה. חֻרְשַׁת הָאֵיקָלִיפְּטוּס, הַגֶּשֶׁר, הַסִּירָה, וְרֵיחַ הַמָּלוּחַ עַל הַמַּיִם.

You can listen to Ofira Gluska singing this song here .

Hebrew WordSearch (תִּפְזֹרֶת)

See if you can find all of the words in the puzzle below:

אִזְדָּרֶכֶת, אִילָנִית, אֵיקָלִיפְּטוּס, אָמִיר, חֻרְשָׁה, נָעֳמִי שֶׁמֶר, פִיקוּס, שִׁיטָה

Weekly Hebrew Names

אָמִיר
Name:	Amir
Gender:	Male
Time Of Appearance:	The Modern Era
Meaning:	Treetop.


אִילָנִית
Name:	Ilanit
Gender:	Female
Time Of Appearance:	The Modern Era
Meaning:	The name is derived from the word אילן (Ilan, “tree”).

HebrewOnline Newsletter - Readers' Feedback

"What you do is wonderful. It is fun and easy to learn Hebrew and the history and culture of Israel this way."

-Nina

"Thanks for sending me the newsletter. I am trying to learn Hebrew and this newsletter is a big help. I also enjoy the history lessons. Thank you."

-Mark

"I can write somethings in Hebrew, I can sing some songs, and I can say a few words and sentences. Thank you for this newsletter! Toda Raba!"

- Maia

"The article on Hannah Senesh, her courage, her bravery, her heroism, her beautiful poetry are an inspiration for every good person I never knew of her existence until, my children studied her in primary school.. We can always keep learning, as there are always it seems more lovely topics to be revealed."

- Sandra

"Thanks for your newsletter! I find it useful - a great tool for learning. "

- Roger

"Than you very much for the news letter and it contains very vital information which I never knew.Thank you and blessings."

- Thompson

Tell us about your HebrewOnline experience. We wil be happy to post your feedback here.