What is "Rothem"?
Many people ask us, "What is Rothem?"
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Our name comes from the Rothem tree, the Hebrew name for the juniper tree, which makes many appearances in the Bible. (--although it's technically the white broom tree.)
The rothem tree is common in the deserts of the Middle East, from Jordan down to Egypt. Although its leaves are very small and sparse, simple, and linear, it nevertheless forms a very agreeable shade in desert regions. In some parts of the desert, it is often the only bush that affords any shade.
I think you'll get what we're all about from our favorite story of the Rothem tree:
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In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was fleeing for his life from Jezebel and King Ahab, who were furious at him. Exhausted and weary in the desert, he rested under the shade of a rothem tree, praying for death. There, he was visited by an angel, who gave him the courage to go on.
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1 Kings 19:3-8
"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God."
In the Bible
We want to be your Rothem tree. Everyone needs a rest from time to time!
Let us bring you bread and drink, so you can get the courage to keep going!
