Over the course of last year, I read Ashkenazi Herbalism by Adam Siegel and Deatra Cohen, one of the first books of its kind exploring the medicinal and cultural plants of the Pale of the Settlement ( more commonly seen through examples of shtetl living). As the case with many fringe groups, plants were not just a traditional preference but of seeing and knowing their community by means of healing practices. While less of us these days are putting potatoes on our heads to absorb fevers, Judaism (both the religious and cultural elements) have a high emphasis on plants and what the symbolism can offer from a literal and spiritual perspective. A hamsa is a cross cultural symbol used by many people and practices to evoke guarding from the evil eye (five fingers being significant in Judaism being the number that represent protection as well). The symbol is commonly seen amongst Jews as being an amulet of sorts, changing meaning depending on direction. The plants inside are pomegranates, cedar, garlic, apple blossoms, and almond blossoms, all plants often an associated with Judaism and customs that bring elements of newness, hope, strength, and prosperity into their presence.
