When the Shevatim were preparing to return to Mitzrayim, Yaakov prepared a gift for the Viceroy, who we know was Yosef. It contained the best products from the land of Israel, including balm, honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
ויאמר אלהם ישראל אביהם אם־כן אפוא זאת עשו קחו מזמרת הארץ בכליכם והורידו 1לאיש מנחה מעט צרי ומעט דבש נכאת ולט בטנים ושקדים
Rashi has an interesting comment as to the identity of botnim,
לא ידעתי מה הם, ובפרושי א"ב של רבי מכיר ראיתי פשט"ציאס ודומה לי שהם אפרסקין
I do not know what these are. In the definitions given in the Dictionary of R’ Machir, I have read that they are Pistachios; I think that they are peaches.
What was the significance of this unique gift? Additionally, why does Rashi find it necessary to bring down this machlokes between Rav Machir and himself as to whether botnim are pistachio or peaches? What's the difference?
Lets try to understand the value of this gift and then we will gain an understanding as to the distinction between peaches a…
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