CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
72. An Olive Wood Haggadah
QUESTION: The synagogue has been given a Haggadah with a cover made of olive wood. Several individuals have asked whether this is an attempt to connect the story of Noah with the tale of Passover, two acts of divine salvation. (Ernest Wolf, New York NY)ANSWER: The olive branch has been associated with the story of Noah, as a dove flew to him in the evening with an olive branch in its mouth; then Noah realized that the flood waters were receding from the earth (Gen 8.11). Through this symbolism it became a sign of peace between God and humanity. The olive branch in the mouth of a dove has been used frequently in Christian art where it possesses a completely different meaning. We should also remember the special status accorded to the olive tree in the poetic verses of Judges (9.8f). The use of olive wood to create covers for the Haggadah has other origins. In the early decades of this century the new Jewish settlements of Israel produced little which they could export. It was not yet possible to ship citrus fruit or other agricultural products as the necessary refrigeration did not yet exist. In an effort to find products which were specifically related to the land of Israel and which were plentiful and easily worked, objects of olive wood were created. Almost all of these were small and were designed to appeal to individuals in Europe or North America. Olive wood was used for besamim boxes, havdalah sets, candelabra, Bible and prayerbook covers, as well as the Haggadah cover which your synagogue possesses. The fabrication of such objects continues to the present time, but on a diminished scale as Israel now exports many other goods as well.February 1990
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