Simon says: "Did you know that sardines have been swimming in Israel's waters & feeding its people for thousands of years?

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The Sardine

While the Bible doesn't mention "sardines" specifically, the Hebrew word דג (dag) appears throughout Scripture as a general term for fish. The Torah distinguishes between clean fish (with fins & scales, like sardines) & unclean fish (Leviticus 11:9-12; Deuteronomy 14:9-10)

Sardines, with their scales & fins, are perfectly kosher.

Some scholars believe that the "two small fishes" used by Jesus to feed the 5,000 (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6) were likely salted or pickled sardines, a common staple food of the poor in Galilee at that time. They are still found in great quantities in the Sea of Galilee/Lake Kinneret, home to a unique freshwater sardine species known scientifically as Mirogrex terraesanctae (sometimes called the Galilee sardine)

Pickling industries thrived in ancient Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene. Writers like Pliny the Elder & Strabo noted the high quality of fish cured in the region, which sustained a robust export economy under Roman occupation, until the city's destruction in 67 CE

Today, sardines are a popular & affordable staple in Israeli cuisine, enjoyed fresh, grilled, or canned.

Want to taste a piece of Israel's ancient food history? Join an 'Imagine Israel Tour'; visit Magdala, the archaeological site of the 40 plastered pools used to clean, salt & cure massive quantities of sardines.

Savour the flavours that have sustained this land for millennia - it's a tale worth tasting! 🇮🇱

Book your adventure today!

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Pictured: night fishermen on the Sea of ​​Galilee/Lake Kinneret