Image Credit: Anita Austvika via Unsplash+

By Heather Bolen

The olive tree is one of the most significant trees in Judaism and Jewish culture, symbolizing the deep connection between the Jewish people and their historic homeland. As one of the Seven Species (shiv’at haminim) mentioned in the Torah, the olive tree represents fertility, abundance, and resilience. Its fruit was a staple of the Ancient Israelite diet and is a central ingredient in modern Israeli and Jewish cuisines. During Hanukkah, the olive tree’s importance comes into focus as the source of the pure oil that fueled the menorah in the rededicated Second Temple. This miracle turned eight days of light into a lasting symbol of faith and renewal.

The Miracle of the Oil

The story of Hanukkah originates in the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Maccabean Revolt. The Seleucid Empire, led by King Antiochus IV, sought to impose Hellenistic practices on the Jewish people, outlawing their religious traditions and desecrating the Temple in Jerusalem by installing pagan idols and defiling its sacred space. The Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels led by Judah Maccabee, rose up against this oppression and eventually reclaimed the Temple after a hard-fought victory.

With the Temple back in their hands, the Maccabees immediately began its rededication, which included lighting the menorah—the Temple’s sacred golden lampstand. According to Jewish law, only pure, consecrated olive oil, prepared and sealed under the supervision of the high priest, could be used to light the menorah. The oil required an extensive purification process that took eight days to complete.

The *America Windows* by Marc Chagall (1977, Art Institute of Chicago) celebrate freedom, cultural expression, and the coexistence of diverse traditions. By including a menorah in the rightmost bay, Chagall acknowledges the contributions of Jewish heritage to American cultural life, alongside the broader celebration of artistic and spiritual freedom.

When the Maccabees searched the Temple, they discovered only a single small jar of purified olive oil, sealed and untouched, which was just enough to keep the menorah burning for one day. Yet, in what is now remembered as the miracle of Hanukkah, the oil burned steadily for eight days and nights—long enough for a new supply of pure oil to be prepared.

This miraculous event places olive oil at the very heart of Hanukkah’s story. Beyond its practical role as fuel, olive oil became a symbol of divine providence and the enduring faith of the Jewish people. The olive tree, which produces this precious oil, embodies resilience, renewal, and continuity—qualities that mirror the Maccabees’ triumph and the survival of Jewish traditions through adversity.

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

-Anne Frank

The lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah—whether with olive oil, as in ancient times, or candles in modern practice—serves as a powerful reminder of this miracle, connecting Jewish people around the world to their shared heritage, history, and faith.

Olive Trees in Jewish Tradition

The olive tree is deeply revered in Jewish culture and history, symbolizing peace, hope, and prosperity. Its presence in the Torah and other Jewish texts underscores its significance as a tree of life and sustenance. One of the most famous references to the olive branch comes from the story of Noah’s Ark in the Book of Genesis. After the great flood, a dove returns to Noah carrying a freshly plucked olive leaf, signaling that the waters had receded and dry land—and life—had begun to emerge again. This moment not only represents the renewal of life but also conveys God’s promise of a new beginning for humanity. Since then, the olive branch has become a universal symbol of peace and reconciliation, reflecting the enduring hope for harmony in a fractured world.

*Noah's ark on the Mount Ararat,* 1570, Simon de Myle, Private Collection

In ancient Israel, the olive tree was more than just a symbol—it was an essential part of daily life and religious practice. Olive oil, pressed from the tree’s fruit, played a crucial role in lighting lamps, representing divine presence and spiritual illumination. Its use extended to anointing rituals for kings, priests, and sacred objects, marking them as holy and consecrated. The act of anointing signified divine favor and a connection to God, giving olive oil a dual role: as a source of physical light and a medium for spiritual sanctification. Additionally, the tree itself, with its ability to thrive in rocky soil and harsh climates, became a symbol of resilience and endurance, much like the Jewish people.

During Hanukkah, lighting the menorah with olive oil (or candles in modern times) not only recalls the miraculous oil that burned for eight days but also serves as a tangible connection to the ancient traditions of the Temple. It is a reminder of the olive tree’s timeless role as a symbol of holiness, continuity, and hope, connecting generations of Jewish people to their shared history and faith.

Modern Connections to the Olive Tree

The olive tree’s legacy extends far beyond its historical and religious symbolism—it remains a vital part of life in modern Israel. In 2021, the Jewish National Fund conducted a poll in which the olive tree was selected as the national tree of Israel, receiving 33% of the popular vote. Its branches are prominently featured on the Emblem of the State of Israel and the insignia of the Israel Defense Forces, including the Military Rabbinate, highlighting its symbolic importance as a marker of peace, strength, and heritage.

Economically, olives are one of Israel’s most significant crops. The country boasts approximately 340,000 dunams (84,000 acres) of olive plantations, spread across diverse regions from mountainous areas to coastal plains. Some of these olive trees have stood for centuries, connecting the modern state to its ancient past. Israeli groves produce a variety of olive types, including Zuri, Barnea, Nabali, Souri, Manzanillo, Kalamata, and Picholine, many of which are integral to both local cuisine and global markets.

This enduring agricultural and cultural connection underscores the olive tree’s timeless role as both a source of sustenance and a profound symbol of continuity and resilience. Its presence in Israel’s daily life ties modern practices to ancient traditions, much like the story of Hanukkah itself.