been hard to keep fresh in the
perfumes, anointing and fuel for
hot, Israeli climate. Pulses, such
lamps, as well as for cooking
as lentils and chick peas,
and dipping bread.
cooked with vegetables, like the
Another of the seven
bean stew Esau sold his
species extensively used was
birthright for, would have been
grapes. Grapes were used to
far more usual than meat
make wine and ancient wine
dishes.
presses have been found all
Such stews would have
over Israel. Jesus’ first miracle
been cooked in olive oil. Olives
are one of the seven species.
a wedding. At the Last Supper
The oil was readily available.
in Jerusalem, at the end of his
Many ancient presses have
ministry, he asked us to
been discovered, which is
remember his blood, spilled for
hardly surprising, since it was
us, with wine. It was common
used for Temple sacrifices,
P38
was to change water to wine at
practice to take wine with meals.