“Is Man a Tree of the Field?”
Tu BiShvat, “the New Year of the Trees,”1 has its own customs,2 which our Rabbis3 associate
with the phrase,4 “Is man a tree of the field?” Because the
tree-metaphor is so fundamental to our divine service, we celebrate the New
Year of the Trees.
A tree may be divided into three parts: (a) roots; (b) trunk, branches and
leaves; and (c) fruit. Though the roots of a tree are not visible, they serve
two vital functions: they support the tree, enabling it to withstand strong
winds, and they deliver most of its nourishment. The trunk, branches and leaves
constitute the bulk of the tree’s body, reflect its growth, and make the tree
attractive to the onlooker — but they are not its ultimate purpose. It is the
fruit5
that benefits others and contains the seeds which bear the species’ promise for
posterity.
These components of the tree symbolize aspects of our personalities. The
roots represent faith, the spiritual quality which connects man to G‑d, the
source of his nourishment. As a person develops spiritually, he learns to rely
on his strong foundations of faith for support.
The trunk, branches and leaves represent our study of Torah, observance of
the mitzvos, and the expression of Jewish values in our daily conduct.
These enable a person to develop himself and they generate an inner beauty which
makes him attractive to others.
The ultimate fulfillment of a person, however, is his fruits. These are his
involvements — first with his own family, the seeds he has planted, but also
with the people around him. Through his efforts to become involved with others,
one tree can bring another into being. For example, a person might inspire a
colleague to emulate his example and establish a foundation of faith, grow in
the study of Torah and the observance of
mitzvos, and ultimately take his turn at reaching out to others with
sincere concern.
Constant Growth
Men and trees are linked by more than merely structural parallels. The Hebrew
word describing the plant kingdom, jnum, also means “growth”. On one hand, this
name reflects a deficiency; it is given to the plant kingdom, because growth is
one of the few signs of life that plants exhibit. On the other hand, there is
something unique about the growth of plants. As opposed to animals or humans,
whose physical growth ceases at a particular age, plants continually grow; their
life and growth are intrinsically related. This is particularly true of trees,
which rise heavenward to great heights.
This should likewise be true of us. Though our physical growth may cease, we
should strive to continue growing intellectually and spiritually, never ceasing
to develop.
Rooted in the Source
Though a plant continually grows upward, in contrast to animals and humans,
which move freely, it must remain firmly rooted in its source of nourishment,
the earth.6 As a Jew is continually
growing, he too must remain connected to his roots, his Torah heritage. Most
people need to spend most of their time in occupations and concerns that are
beyond the immediate sphere of Torah. Under these circumstances, we can only
flourish if our faith keeps us firmly rooted to our Torah heritage.
Furthermore, unlike other plants, trees not only remain alive throughout the
year and endure its changes of climate, but they continue to grow. This quality
can teach us to endeavor to see every situation as potentially contributing to
our growth. We need to develop the flexibility and the resilience that enable
us to respond positively to change.
As Seedlings Grow and Thrive
Tu BiShvat, like other Jewish holidays, has a special meaning for children,
who fulfill the custom of eating Tu BiShvat fruits with gusto. The connection
between Tu BiShvat and children brings to mind another lesson applicable to our
lives. Just as a small improvement in a seedling produces a greatly improved
tree, so too, a small improvement in a child’s education can affect him
throughout his entire life thereafter.
Our prophets use the metaphor of trees to describe the Jewish people in their
ultimate state of fulfillment, the Era of the Redemption:7 “In days to come, Yaakov will take root; Yisrael will
blossom and bud, and will cover the face of the earth with fruit.” The coming of
Mashiach8 is described similarly: “A shoot shall emerge
from the stem of Yishai, and a branch shall grow out from his roots.” May these
prophecies be fulfilled in the immediate future.
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos,
Vol. VI, p. 308-309; Vol. XXIV, p. 115 ff.
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