Dates and pomegranates

The following is part of an email I received by Rabbi Chanan Morrison.

"Rabbi Hisda and Rabbi Hamenuna were seated at a meal, and were served dates and pomegranates. Rabbi Hamenuna made the blessing over the dates. Rabbi Hisda told him, 'Do you not agree that those fruit mentioned earlier in the verse take precedence when reciting the blessing?' Rabbi Hamenuna responded, 'Dates are mentioned second after the word land, while pomegranates are only mentioned fifth.' Rabbi Hisda exclaimed, "If only we had legs of iron to always follow you and learn from you!" [Berachot 41b]
The two scholars referred to the verse that praises the Land of Israel for seven grains and fruits: "It is a land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil-olives and honey-dates." [Deut. 8:8]
Rabbi Hisda felt that the blessing should reflect the order of the produce mentioned in the verse. Thus, pomegranates should come first. Rabbi Hamenuna explained that while the order in the verse is indeed important, there is an even more important factor: how close is the fruit to the word land in the verse? Pomegranates are the fifth produce mentioned after the first time land appears in the verse; dates, however, are the second fruit mentioned after land appears a second time in the verse. In other words, the position of dates in the verse indicates a greater closeness to the Land of Israel; therefore, this fruit deserves to come first.
The thought and care that Rabbi Hamenuna gave to his blessing demonstrates the importance he placed on loving Eretz Yisrael. This great love stems from recognizing the unique qualities of the Land - qualities that enable the Jewish people and all of humanity to attain spiritual goals. One who is closer to the Land of Israel, and demonstrates a greater connection to it, comes first for blessing. Such an individual is closer to the perfection that is attained through this special land.
Two Types of Love
Yet, we may ask: why is the word land mentioned twice in the verse? Why does the verse divide up the produce of Eretz Yisrael into two categories?
There are in fact two types of love for the Land of Israel. One's appreciation for the Land is a function of his spiritual level and awareness. Some value Eretz Yisrael because of its unique spiritual qualities. They long "to take pleasure in her stones and love her dust" [Psalms 102:15] in order to fulfill the mitzvot that are connected to the Land. They recognize the blessings that Eretz Yisrael provides for the spiritual elevation of the Jewish people and the entire world.
Then there are those who appreciate the land for its material benefits. They recognize its value as a homeland for the Jewish people, and work towards settling and rebuilding the land. This form of devotion to the Land of Israel, even though it does not take into account its special spiritual qualities, is nonetheless a good and positive trait.
The verse mentions the word land twice, each time followed by a list of produce. This corresponds to the two forms of devotion to the Land of Israel. The first list of produce represents those who love the Land for its elevated, spiritual properties. This group consists of five fruits and grains, corresponding to the Five Books of Moses. This devotion to Eretz Yisrael stems from the world of Torah, from an awareness of the spiritual goals of the Jewish people and the entire world.
The second list contains oil-olive, symbolizing knowledge, and the honey-date, representing material contentment. These fruits represents those who appreciate the Land as a place where the Jewish people can be successful in the material spheres of life, whether academic, cultural, or economic.
Rabbi Hamenuna taught us an important lesson: how great is the love for the Land of Israel, even when this love is limited to its physical benefits. When they are connected to the community, all material matters become spiritual ones; the elevated goals will automatically be realized through the bonds of God's people to His Land.