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The Tree

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A man was travelling through the desert, hungry, thirsty and tired, when he came upon a tree bearing luscious fruit and affording plenty of shade, underneath which ran a spring of water. He ate of the fruit, drank of the water and rested beneath the shade.

When he was about to leave, he turned to the tree and said: “Tree, O tree, with what should I bless you?

“Should I bless you that your fruit be sweet? Your fruit is already sweet.

“Should I bless you that your shade be plentiful? Your shade is plentiful. That a spring of water should run beneath you? A spring of water runs beneath you.

“There is one thing with which I can bless you: May it be G‑d’s will that all the trees planted from your seeds should be like you . . .”

Talmud, Taanit 5b
Image: detail from an illustration by Chassidic artist Michoel Muchnik.
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Discussion (25)
January 23, 2013
The Tree
Trees re-appear even when cut down for paper etc. but I still don't like the idea of any tree being cut off in its prime. The Torah makes more sense than many versions of different religious books as it came direct from above through the Rabbi and hence I now believe that it should have stayed that way and glad this is explained in here right down to the Letters and Numbers which I am finding difficult to remember but will step by step put them in a book to absorb same and become part of it.
Anna Cortez
Scotland
January 23, 2013
Material for English class
as usual, your site is my inspiration for my English classes! Thank you
Judy Freedman
Neriya, the Shomron
December 26, 2012
The Tree - The Rabbis
What a lovely comment about the Rabbis being the Trees. I had never heard a Rabbi speak untiI came in here and I felt the presence of God speaking through him and right through myself. Since coming in here I found out only this year that my father and both grandparents were most possibly Jewish due to 'talking to G-d' and receiving a reply albeit many years after I'd asked when the 'time was right' - their names were Yosef and Anna and learning more. Much was kept secret from me over 40 years ago but not any more. I now subscribe a small amount each month to Chabad as there's so much in here. Thank-you.
Anna Cortez
Scotland
December 25, 2012
The trees are the rabbis. After seeing all the beauty hidden in their word we wish that every one provides us with such a wonderful words. I feel like a child in a garden listening to the rabbi playing in a violin such a charming music. Thanks Chabad for such beautifully blessed guides.
Anonymous
New York
November 6, 2012
The Tree
Only today I looked at a TREE in general and felt I should write something about it like a song or poem about how alive it looks sometimes and how sad it looks when infected or damaged and here was your email about the Tree. We take too much for granted sometimes but not I. It's wonderful to read other comments about people found you like I did. Wonder what words will come to me? Thanks again.
Anna Cortez(Nee Kotrys)
Scotland
November 5, 2012
What an inspiring story. A short story but full of lessons. I feel so blessed to be here. Thank you chabad.org, I do believe that I can find myself here.
Anonymous
February 8, 2012
The Tree
Beautiful story, and so is the painting. I thank Hashem, blessed be He, for the Tree of Life. And for this beautiful garden. Hoping that we all come to the realization that as this man in the story blelssess the Tree for its fruits so that we all bless one another for their good deeds to one another.This will bring Mashiach sooner. Amen.
Anonymous
Mesa, Arizona, USA
February 7, 2012
Trees
I want to know how a tree represents man and woman. I know the trunk stands for a body. The branches stand for our limbs. That is all I know. Tell me more if you can.
Sansra Kohll
Omaha, Ne USA
October 24, 2011
TREE OF LIFE/TORAH
I totally agree with Mark Siet 3/5/09 and ML Suriano on 7/4/09..I feel at home in Chabad.org and promoe this on my Blog and reason why..G-d has thanked me by sending people my way in the music industry who wish to use 'The Tree' I painted'..I called it the Mystic Tree of Life but always mention much is to be learned in Chabad.org and that a lot of what I learned in here G-d had already revlealed to me in person over the years before guiding me to th eplace I call 'home'...This is my Tree of Life Here and other sites of Chabad.org...many bracnhes you have and one strong Tree..I feel G-d presence as any of the Rabbi's speak especially Aher Crispe and have been trying to keep patient and listen inwards...lots more to learn on here..Thank-you
Anna Cortez
Lanark, Scotland
October 24, 2011
Let us bless everyone as this traveller did.

Pass on all the blessings you have received
Raju Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala. India
Thiruvananathapuram, India
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