In Parshat Vayetzei (Breisheet 31:34) we read about Rachel and her camel:
Rachel had taken the idols, and placed them in the camel’s saddle pillow, and sat upon them…
Camels existed in the Land of Israel from before the days of the forefathers.
Arabian camels are found in Israel (in the Judean and Negev deserts) as well as in the rest of the Middle East. They have one hump and are mostly owned by Bedouin today.
Camels are working animals which fit in with the desert habitat and have always been a means of transportation for passengers and cargo. We see this in Breisheet 24 when Avraham’s servant goes up to Padan Aram with camels loaded with gifts while searching for a wife for Yitzchak as well as on the return trip when he brings back Rivka and her maidens.
In the books of Shoftim (7:12) and Yishayahu (21:7) camels were used to fight in wars.
In Dvarim 14:7 we learn that camels are not kosher. We don’t drink their milk or eat their meat:
This shall you not eat from among those that bring up their cud or have a completely separated split hoof: the camel, the hare and the hyrax, for they bring up their cud, but their hoof is not split- they are impure for you.
Camels eat vegetation, including thorny plants, grass, leaves and shrubs. The way that their lips and their mouths are designed helps protect them from getting hurt on sharp objects.
Camels drink both fresh and salty water. They can consume 100 liters in a short period when dehydrated. Their water is stored in their bloodstream (not in their humps).
Camel hair is often used to make coats as it has excellent insulating properties. The hair sheds off of the camel so its harvesting is sustainable and cruelty free.
Now we can understand why camels were used in Biblical times for long trips such as from the Land of C’naan to Padan Aram and back and why the Bedouin still use them today.
If you are brave enough, you can ride on a camel the next time you go touring in Israel!
