Although the Torah's description of Eretz Israel as the "Land of Milk and Honey" was a reference to the honey-like date fruit rather than bee honey, it may well be that honey-making from beehives was once a local industry.

Recent archeological excavations at Tel Rechov in the Bet She'an Valley uncovered the oldest known beehive colony in the Middle East. According to Carbon-14 calculations these beehives date back close to 3,000 years.

© 1995-2017 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu