The Biblical narrative (Genesis 30:14) tells us of the
Matriarchs (Rachel and Leah) attempt to overcome infertility by the
use of a plant which in Hebrew is called "Dudaim", or in English:
Mandrake (Mandragora,Mandragora officinarum ).
We read that
the plant was gathered "in the days of wheat harvest", which here in
Israel falls between the Holidays of Passover and Shavuot- around the
months of April-May. We go out every year at this time,
crossing the hills with our flocks
The ripe fruits have an intoxicating, sweet aroma,
which only lasts a few days, until the birds and wild animals eat all
of them.
We pick the ripe fruits, dry them in the sun, and
then separate out the seeds.
How is the plant used? Here
we find a wide variety of explanations, though from studying the
biblical verses, it is clear that neither the roots or the flowers is
used. There are wise men (and wise women) here, who counsel
barren women to ingest a small quantity of the seeds (all parts of
the plant are considered toxic), with a certain timing, and with
certain intentions.
Since we have not received the above
wisdom, we can not counsel on the exact way of use.
All we can
add is that it does not seem right that the Dudaim are a fertility
drug, and that the Bible is suggesting a prescription to solve a
medical problem.
It seems that both Rachel and Leah felt that
something was lacking in the closeness of their relationship with
their husband, Jacob, which was certainly on an extremely high
spiritual level. Some barely felt lack in the synchronicity of
their emotional connection, that the mutual use of the plant with the
unique fragrance might help overcome!
You will need to search
out the appropriate wise-person on your own, but we can send you the
seeds:
www.dudaim.org
We will be glad to hear suggestions, and respond to
questions.
From the time of the Avot and
Emahot:
mutual respect, commitment, affection, love, closeness,
planting the seed, conception, pregnancy, full term, and the joy of
birth.
