The Galilee Development Authority has planned two weeks of olive-related activities to restore the good name to precious oil.
By ARIE HASITolives 88(photo credit: )
'A good name is better than precious oil." Thus opens chapter seven of Ecclesiastes, which traditional Jews read during the holiday of Succot. Today precious oil reminds most of us of Saudi Arabia, but the biblical reference has nothing to do with our favorite non-renewable energy source.
Rather, the oil in question comes from one of the Land of Israel's seven species, the olive. The Galilee Development Authority has planned two weeks of olive-related activities to restore the good name to the precious oil.
The Olive Festival, which runs through November 8, aims to celebrate the olive, the northern region of the country, and everything those two places represent. According to Danny Alter, the festival's producer, there are four main objectives. Most importantly, Alter stresses, "The festival promotes coexistence amongst not just two but many communities. We strive to create a shared existence for Jews, Arabs, Druze and Circassians [all of whom have communities in the Galilee]. And, how the community participates in the festival is another important goal."
Another primary objective is to encourage tourism in the Galilee and Golan. As such, the festival features attractions in the Western, Lower and Upper Galilee as well as the Golan Heights. And of course, Alter says, the festival's most important goal is "the promotion of olive oil, and everything related to its creation." Hence, the festival's two weeks are filled with events, tours, open houses and more across the north of the country.
Alter does recognize that this area has not been the quietest in the past few weeks but sees no reason that this should affect the festival. In fact, the festival opened in Acre with a reception that included Jewish and Druze ministers of the current government.
Throughout the festival, individual communities representing the different ethnic groups will showcase their connection to olives, but the festival also includes events of the groups working together. For example, look for the Oud House Orchestra's performance at Kerem Ben Zimrah alongside a market of the Galilee's finest agricultural products.
While the subject of olives and olive oil may sound a little dry for children, the festival offers some activities and tours meant for the whole family. Two recommended events are:
"From the Olive to Olive Oil: An Authentic Olive Harvest at the Archeological Museum of Ein Dor" November 1 - 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., NIS 35 and NIS 25 for children.
The museum, located in the Jezreel Valley, tries to bring the ancient art of olive harvesting to life. It offers adults and children the chance to harvest in an ancient-style olive press, use ancient tools, and eventually create the oil itself. The harvest tours leave every hour on the hour.
"Lavido" in Nahalal, Moshav Nahal, November 1 - 8, 11:30 a.m., NIS 25 and NIS 15 for children, (04) 651-5132.
Lavido Cosmetics will offer parallel activities for children and adults at the moshav where they make their all-natural cosmetics. Children will have the opportunity to hear storyteller Asher Oshri and make natural candy, while their parents can take a tour of the botanical gardens and learn how to prepare face cream from olive oil. Each activity is meant to take an hour.
The festival runs for two weeks, so even if these events do not strike your fancy, there are multiple tours, open houses, and special events that are certain to meet all your olive and olive-related needs. For more information, visit (in Hebrew) galil.gov.il/zait.
