Pomegranate

POMEGRANATE -  Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah.   For this reason and others, it is customary to eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah.   Moreover, the pomegranate represents fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom.

(KJV Exodus 28:31-34) states that images of pomegranates be woven into the hem of ephod, a robe worn by the Hebrew High Priest.   Pomegranates can also be found in the Bible in 1 Kings 7:13-22, where the fruit is depicted on the capitals of the two pillars which stood in front of the temple King Solomon built in Jerusalem.   King Solomon is said to have designed his crown based on the pomegranate.   The significance of the Jewish pomegranate is further exemplified by its appearance on ancient coins of Judea, one of only a few images that appear as a holy symbol.