Moses and the Burning Bush

• Talmudic scholars refer to this miracle plant as both a bush and a shrub, but there's little doubt about the importance of this incident in the life of the Jewish people. The ever-burning bush triggered a dialog between God and Moses in which the prophet received his marching orders to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Described fully in the book of Exodus, this story is treasured by Jews for its symbolism and hope. So whether you call the burning bush a bush or a shrub, it still represents an important moment in time.
  
  

Grapevine Shrubs

• Grape growing in Israel remains as much a labor of love as it did thousands of years ago. Not many people know that the grapevine is classified as a climbing shrub that consists of main branches from which shoots emerge to continue the plant's maturity. Grapes once grew wild in the Holy Land, but these days, Jewish wineries continue the tradition, just as Noah did after the flood that submerged the world for 40 days and nights.
  
  

Sukkot Roofing Shrubs

• Following the annual observation of Yom Kippur -- when atonement is made for sins and the New Year begins for the Jewish people -- Sukkot, a week-long autumn holiday, begins. Without shrubs to produce the branches used to cover temporary, open-roofed dwellings, this festival could not be celebrated. Each year, families collect sections of shrubs and lay them over the top of a temporary shelter, making sure to leave spaces so the night sky shines through. Jewish families regularly eat supper under the shrubbery and may also sleep there, weather permitting.
  
  

Hyssop or Ezov Shrubs

• Jewish tradition runs deep, and while cedar trees symbolize pride, the hyssop or ezov shrub, with its woody branches and lackluster flowers symbolizing modesty and humility, serves as the antithesis of the pine. The hyssop/ezov shrub is hardy, popping up between cracks and stone as if to say, "nothing keeps me down." While people living in Israel agree that this shrub isn't the most attractive one on the planet, its fragrance, flavor, medicinal properties and ability to blend with other greenery to produce a delicious spice popular throughout the Holy Land makes it a valuable shrub, indeed.
  
  

Pomegranate Shrubs

• There's no denying that the pomegranate, a blood-red, seed-filled fruit loaded with antioxidants, is beloved by Jewish people for both its health benefits and traditional symbolism. Like grapevine, not everyone knows that pomegranates, mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, grow on shrubs. This brilliantly red fruit can grow to the size of a grapefruit and is considered a beautiful addition to a banquet table. Jewish growers love pomegranate shrubs because they tolerate droughts. As a matter of fact, this shrub is susceptible to fungal diseases if it's grown in an area that's usually wet.