Although the pomegranate is an ancient symbol steeped in tradition, it has re-emerged in contemporary culture, not only because of its beauty and rich history, but because the pomegranate is quite desirable for its healthy, antioxidant qualities. The word pomegranate, "rimon" in Hebrew, is derived from the Latin words "pomum" (apple) and "granatus" (seeded). Grown in the Mediterranean region for several thousand years, this remarkable fruit is rich in symbolism and there are specific references to the pomegranate in the Bible.
Exodus 28:33-34 states that images of pomegranates be woven into the hem of the me'il ("robe 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 "crown" of 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.
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.
Interestingly, many Jewish scholars believe that the pomegranate was the "forbidden fruit" of the Garden of Eden. Furthermore, the pomegranate is listed in the Bible as one of the seven species (shivat haminim) of fruits and grains that are special products of the Land of Israel.
The crown..the Star of David..
Reminds me of
1 Sam 16
11. And Samuel said to Jesse, Are here all your children? And he said, There remains still the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep; And Samuel said to Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he comes here:
12. And he sent, and brought him in; And he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and good looking; And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he:
13. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward; So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah:
wiktionary:
רימון \ רִמּוֹן • (rimón) m (plural indefinite רמונים \ רִמּוֹנִים)
1.pomegranate (fruit)
2.pomegranate-shaped decoration on the priestly robe (religion)
3.grenade (weapon)
grenade:
Borrowed from French grenade, from Old French grenate in the phrase pomme grenate (“pomegranate”), ultimately from Medieval Latin pomum (“apple”) + granatum (“having grains”). The -d developed in French under influence of Spanish granada.
Upon three rimonim:
Pirkei Avot 1.2 Shimon the Righteous was among the last surviving members of the Great assembly. He would say: The world stands on three things: Torah, the service of G‑d, and deeds of kindness.
"He would say, 'Upon three things [אוֹמֵר, עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה דְבָרִים]'..."