YouTube Series Explores Honey and Shofar Production for Jewish New Year

The second episode of the YouTube series "Shani en immersion" follows host Shani Guidalia as she explores the production of honey and shofars, two key symbols of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The episode begins early in Kfar Sirkin, central Israel, where Shani joins Yaniv, a beekeeper from a family-run apiary. She learns about the importance of protective gear and careful movements around the 50,000 to 70,000 bees in each hive, emphasizing that bees only sting when threatened. Yaniv explains that honey is the bees' own food, and beekeepers harvest the surplus they produce. He also highlights the crucial role of bees in pollinating crops like avocados, apples, and cereals. The episode touches on the "bee dance" bees use to communicate nectar source locations and notes that the honey harvest, typically done in spring and summer, had concluded before filming. The apiary also produces flavored honey preparations, cosmetics, and liqueurs.

The series then shifts to Kfar Chabad, where Shani observes the crafting of the shofar, the ram's horn blown during Rosh Hashanah services. In the workshop, artisans shape, drill, sand, and polish raw horns, often sourced from Morocco, to create the instruments. The precise creation of the opening is vital for the shofar's sound. While a basic shofar can be made in 15 to 20 minutes, the time varies based on the desired finish and the care taken with the mouthpiece. The episode concludes by showcasing the traditional crafts and dedication involved in preparing for the Jewish New Year.