It's more than just about wine, you see. It's a metaphor, a living, breathing symbol of the Jewish people themselves.
We find this beautiful idea elaborated on in Vayikra Rabbah 36, a section of the Midrash (rabbinic interpretive commentary) that explores the Book of Leviticus. It starts with the verse, "I will remember My covenant with Jacob" (Leviticus 26:42), and connects it to (Psalm 80:9), "You transported a grapevine from Egypt." From there, it blossoms (pun intended!) into a rich tapestry of associations. : "You transported a grapevine from Egypt," says the verse. Just like a careful gardener wouldn’t plant a grapevine in rocky, unsuitable soil, God didn't just plop Israel into the Land of Israel. No, no. According to this Midrash, God first "drove out the nations and planted it," clearing the ground for a new beginning. Only after removing the Canaanite nations did God plant Israel there.
And just as clearing beneath a grapevine improves its growth, the more God cleared the path for Israel, the more they flourished. As (Psalm 80:10) says, "[You cleared space for it], and it took root and filled the land."
The Midrash doesn't stop there. It goes on to compare the orderly planting of a vineyard – in rows, not haphazardly – to the way Israel was organized, "each according to his banner, with the insignias of their patrilineal houses" (Numbers 2:2). Order, structure, purpose.
But here's where it gets really interesting. The grapevine, though lower than many other trees, dominates them. It climbs, it spreads, it's vital. Similarly, Israel, though sometimes appearing humble in this world, is destined to "take possession from one end of the world to the other." We find this idea echoed throughout the Hebrew Bible, with figures like Joseph, Joshua, David, Solomon, and Mordechai all rising to positions of great power and influence. "Joseph was the ruler" (Genesis 42:6). "David’s renown circulated in all lands" (I (Chronicles 14:1)7).
And what about the leaves on the grapevine, those unassuming protectors of the precious fruit? The Midrash suggests they represent the "ignoramuses" – not meant in a derogatory way, but rather, those who aren't Torah scholars – who, in their own way, "cover the Torah scholars," providing for their needs. They support and enable the study and transmission of Torah.
Even the different types of grapes – large and small – find their parallel in Israel. Those who toil in Torah, the greatest among them, often appear the most humble. The greater a person is in Torah, the greater his humility.
Remember, too, that a grapevine requires three blessings. And Israel? They are blessed with three blessings each day: "May the Lord bless you"; "may the Lord illuminate"; "may the Lord lift" (Numbers 6:24–26). A daily reminder of divine favor.
The Midrash continues, drawing parallels between grapes and raisins, wine and vinegar, representing the diverse elements within Israel: masters of Bible, Mishna, Talmud, and aggada (the narrative portions of rabbinic literature). It reminds us that we must offer a blessing "over the good and over the bad; over the good, blessed…who is good and does good; over the bad, blessed…the true Judge."
Even the changing fortunes of the grapevine—initially trampled but eventually gracing the table of kings—mirrors the historical experience of Israel. There may be times when they seem "loathsome in this world," but ultimately, "The Lord your God will place you supreme" (Deuteronomy 28:1).
The Midrash goes on, comparing the grapevine to cedars, reeds, and dry branches, each carrying a different symbolic weight, but always pointing back to the enduring strength and resilience of Israel, sustained by Torah and the merit of the patriarchs.
So, the next time you see a grapevine, remember this Midrash. Remember that it's not just a plant; it's a symbol of a people, their history, their faith, and their enduring covenant with God. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for growth, for renewal, and for a future where Israel will flourish.
And finally, let's remember, "Behold, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Psalms 121:4).
Another matter, “I will remember My covenant with Jacob” – that is what is written: “You transported a grapevine from Egypt” (Psalms 80:9). Just as this grapevine, one does not plant it on ground with large stones, but rather, one searches the land beneath it [and removes the stones], and only then plants it, so, “You drove out the nations and planted it” (Psalms 80:9).4Only after removing the Canaanite nations from the Land of Israel did God plant Israel there. Just as this grapevine, the more that you clear from beneath it, [the more] it improves, so, Israel, You cleared all the kings from before them, and then: “[You cleared space for it], and it took root and filled the land” (Psalms 80:10). Just as this grapevine, one does not plant it in a disorderly fashion, but rather, in rows, so Israel is aligned according to their banners. That is what is written: “Each according to his banner, with the insignias of their patrilineal houses” (Numbers 2:2). Just as this grapevine is lower than all the trees but dominates all the trees,5It is considered more important than other trees. Alternatively, it climbs on whatever is around, including other trees (Matnot Kehuna). At times, one even uses other trees to create a frame on which the vine should grow (Etz Yosef). the same is true of Israel; they appear as though they are humble in this world, but in the future, they are destined to take possession from one end of the world to the other. Just as this grapevine, one branch emerges from it and conquers several trees, so, Israel, one righteous person emerges from them and dominates from one end of the world to the other. That is what is written: “Joseph was the ruler” (Genesis 42:6); “The Lord was with Joshua, [his fame was throughout the land]” (Joshua 6:27); “David’s renown circulated in all lands” (I Chronicles 14:17); “Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms” (I Kings 5:1); “For Mordekhai was great in the king’s palace, and his renown spread in all the provinces” (Esther 9:4). Just as this grapevine, its leaves cover the grape clusters,6They protect them from the elements. so, Israel, the ignoramuses among them cover the Torah scholars.7They perform labor and provide for the needs of the Torah scholars. Just as on this grapevine, there are large and small clusters, and one that is larger than another appears as though it is lower than the other, so, Israel, every one of them who toils in Torah and is greater than another in Torah, appears lower than the other.8The greater a person is in Torah, the greater his humility. Just as this grapevine requires three blessings,9After eating grapes or drinking wine, one recites a blessing that is an abridged form of the first three blessings of Grace after Meals. so, Israel is blessed with three blessings each day: “May the Lord bless you”; “may the Lord illuminate”; “may the Lord lift” (Numbers 6:24–26). Just as this grapevine there are grapes on it and there are raisins on it, so, Israel, there are, in their midst, masters of Bible, masters of Mishna, masters of Talmud, masters of aggada. Just as this grapevine, there is wine in it and there is vinegar in it, this requires a blessing and that requires a blessing, so, Israel is obligated to recite a blessing over the good and over the bad; over the good, blessed…who is good and does good; over the bad, blessed…the true Judge. Just as this wine, anyone who drinks from it, his face shines and anyone who does not drink of it, his teeth become blunt,10He gnashes his teeth in frustration when he sees others enjoying wine (Maharzu). so, Israel, anyone who comes and aligns with them will be rewarded through them. Just as this grapevine, initially it is trampled underfoot and then it goes onto the table of kings, so Israel appears as though they are loathsome in this world, as it is written: “I have become a laughingstock to all my people, their song all day” (Lamentations 3:14), but in the future: “The Lord your God will place you supreme” (Deuteronomy 28:1), as it is written: “Kings will be your caregivers, and their princesses, your wet nurses” (Isaiah 49:23). Just as this grapevine improves with each and every transplanting, so, Israel becomes more numerous under each kingdom. Just as this grapevine is trellised on great cedars, the same is true of Israel, as it is stated: “The mountains were covered with its shade, its branches like cedars of the Almighty” (Psalms 80:11). Just as this grapevine rests upon a reed, so, Israel rests due to the merit of the Torah that is written with a reed. Just as this grapevine, its guard stands above it, so, Israel, their Protector is above, as it is stated: “Behold, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalms 121:4). Just as this grapevine rests upon dry branches, but it is moist, so Israel rests due to the merit of their patriarchs, even though they are asleep. That is what is written: “I will remember My covenant with Jacob…” (Leviticus 26:42).
