I planted a butterfly garden in my backyard and wouldn’t you know that the butterflies’ favorite plant is one with some Biblical history!
🌿 Native to the Mediterranean, the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has several names. The Latin name translates to “the life of the innocent lamb.” It is also nicknamed Abraham’s Balm or Abraham’s Bush, refering to Genesis 22. Read more from Dr Sarah Oren, Curator of the Neot Kedumim Botanical Garden: https://www.neot-kedumim.org.il/index-plant-of-the-month/about-the-water-plant-and-the-shofar/
🏛 Chaste tree remains were discovered in ancient temples using archaeobotany! “Examining two successive temples at Gath, which dated from the tenth to ninth centuries BCE, archaeologists identified dozens of plant species, including cereals, fruits, pulses, and herbs in two ancient Philistine temples.” Read more about Plants and the Philistine Cult at Gath: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/plants-and-the-philistine-cult-at-gath/
📚 I learned about the plants discovered at Gath from my summer class, Edible Landscapes of the Biblical World, through Jerusalem University College. I’m excited to share more with you over the next six weeks!
📸 I took this photo of monarchs and other pollinators fluttering around the chaste tree in my backyard. The purple flowers are vibrant and so fragrant!
What a Martian landscape in Greece this week! I was surprised to learn that this Sirocco wind predictably happens every year and is even mentioned by Jesus in Luke 12:55, “And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.”
✨One week left!✨ This year’s #wwwg24 has a fantastic lineup of speakers. I’m looking forward to spending time with all the young women on Friday night and teaching them an ancient way to pray!
I just signed up to take the Edible Landscapes of the Biblical World course! 🍇🍯 You can count on some fun content here this summer—and maybe some recipes!
This will be my third summer class at Jerusalem University College. They are perfect for lifelong learners who are curious and want to learn more!
