The first time the olive tree is mentioned in the Bible is when Noach (Noah) checks to see is the flood waters have receded. When the dove returns with an olive branch in its mouth, Noach knows that new life has begun. Pure olive oil was also used for the lighting of the golden menorah in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple), as well as to anoint priests and kings. One lesson we can take from the olive is just like an olive yields oil only when pressed, so too, as human beings, when we are pressed between the millstones of life, our best selves emerge. Often, we rise to the occasion to meet life’s tests only when challenged.