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TORAT MIZRACHI MIZRACHI EDUCATORS

R abbi R euven T aragin R abbanit Shani T aragin
Rabbi Reuven Taragin Rabbanit Shani Taragin

e Deeper Meaning

of Planting Trees

hazal teach us that tree planting that describe human motivation – ק ֶ ׁש ֵ ח work on behalf of their people’s future.
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is how we best imitate and draw (desire) and ץ ֶ פ ֵ ח (will). The interest to We finish planting before greeting
Cclose to G-d (Vayikra Rabbah plant may initially be motivated by the Mashiach because the belief expressed
25:3, Tanchuma Kedoshim 8). Just as desire to eat. That emotion needs to by planting trees is part of what brings
Hashem planted trees when He created be channeled and elevated to a higher him.
the world, we too are commanded to do form – the will to create and contribute. Knowing the temporary nature of
so upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This idea In emphasizing the importance of tree their presence in each place, Jews in
was expressed by the emphasis early planting, Avot DeRebbi Natan (Nuscha exile lacked the motivation to invest in
Zionists placed on tree planting in gen- Bet, 31) asserts that one who hears of trees and other infrastructure. When
eral and specifically on Tu BiShvat. Why Mashiach’s arrival while planting should we enter Eretz Yisrael, we need to
is planting trees so important? first finish planting and only then greet realize we are now home – in a place

It is easy for man to take advantage of Mashiach. that is our own and one that im yirtzeh
the world available for his use without The association of planting with Hashem our descendants will continue
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feeling responsible to contribute redemption appears in Masechet living in. We express this appreciation
towards developing it. When the Ta’anit as well. The Gemara tells of by planting trees.
Torah tells us of Hashem’s placement Choni HaMeagel’s question about Rav Kook saw this story as a model
of Adam in Gan Eden, it tells us he was the famous pasuk that describes our for the ideal form of tree planting and
placed there to work and protect it redemption – ־ת ֶ א ’ה בּו ׁש ְּ ב ת ֹול ֲ ע ַּ מ ַ ה רי ׁ ִ ש for what Tu BiShvat symbolizes: “The
(Bereishit 2:15). In fact, the beginning םי ִ מ ְ לֹח ְּ כ ּוניִי ָ ה ן ֹוּי ִ צ ת ַ בי ׁ ִ ש (Song of steps: desire to plant trees should flow from
of the second chapter tells how when Hashem returns us to Zion, we the interest to help future generations,
Hashem delayed the growth of trees were like dreamers). Choni wondered which is symbolized perfectly by the
and vegetation until He created man whether it is possible for a person to carob tree” (Meged Yerachim, Chodesh
who would work the fields (Bereishit sleep and dream for 70 years (the length Shevat).
2:5). It is critical that man see himself of the first exile).
as responsible to maintain and develop On Tu BiShvat we celebrate trees and
what planting them says about us – in
the world G-d created for him. One day Choni met a man planting
a carob tree (which takes 70 years to general and specifically – in terms of
Most plants are planted on a seasonal produce fruit). He asked the man why he our relationship with the Land of Israel
basis. They provide us with food after was planting a tree he would probably to which Hashem has returned us.
minimal months of investment. Trees, never eat from. The man answered
however, require years of nurturing that just as he found and enjoyed trees
before they provide fruit. On the other planted by earlier generations, he too 1 See Mesilat Yesharim 1.
hand, they are a critical part of the was planting for future ones. After this 2 On this topic, see also Bereishit 34:8 versus
34:9 and Devarim 21:11 versus 21:14 and
ecosystem and they reward the work discussion, Choni fell asleep for 70 25:8 (the frame for Parshat Ki Teitzei).
invested in them with an abundance of years. Upon awakening, Choni met the
fruit over many years. Investing in tree man’s grandson who was enjoying the
planting requires patience and long- fruits of his grandfather’s labor.
term vision and expresses a recognition I believe there is a profound connection
of our responsibility to develop the between the two parts of the story.
world. Scan here to join Rabbi Taragin’s
Choni wondered about sleeping WhatsApp group with daily Divrei Torah
When describing the planting of trees, for 70 years and the connection to
Rav Kook (Meged Yerachim, Chodesh redemption. Tree planting is part of Rabbi Reuven Taragin is Educational

Shevat) addresses the relationship the answer. Redemption comes when Director of Mizrachi and Dean of the
between two different Hebrew words people can see beyond themselves and Yeshivat HaKotel Overseas Program.

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