In Jewish tradition, what is the significance of the olive? From a culinary standpoint, it is something relatively minor. In modern times, it is eaten primarily as an accessory in salads and as a pizza topping, but is by no means a staple crop. It is also used to make olive oil, which is not the most popular type of oil, probably in part because of its high cost. In the Temple in Jerusalem, it was used to light the menorah, and some people use it for their Chanukah candles. With all that in mind, why is the olive valued so heavily more than other things we eat way more often?