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TORAT MIZRACHI MIZRACHI EDUCATORS

Rabbi Reuven Taragin Rabbanit Shani Taragin

The Deeper Meaning

of Planting Trees

hazal teach us that tree planting that describe human motivation – ק ֶ ׁש ֵ ח behalf of their people’s future. We finish
is how we best imitate and draw (desire) and ץ ֶ פ ֵ ח (will). The interest to planting before greeting Mashiach
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Cclose to G-d (Vayikra Rabbah plant may initially be motivated by the because the belief expressed by planting
25:3, Tanchuma Kedoshim 8). Just as desire to eat. That emotion needs to be trees is part of what brings him.
Hashem planted trees when He created channeled and elevated to a higher form Knowing the temporary nature of their
the world, we too are commanded to – the will to create and contribute. presence in each place, Jews in exile
do so upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This In emphasizing the importance of tree lacked the motivation to invest in trees
idea was expressed by the emphasis early planting, Avot DeRebbi Natan (Nuscha and other infrastructure. When we enter
Zionists placed on tree planting in gen- Bet, 31) asserts that one who hears of Eretz Yisrael, we need to realize we are
eral and specifically on Tu BiShvat. Why Mashiach’s arrival while planting should now home – in a place that is our own
is planting trees so important? first finish planting and only then greet and one that im yirtzeh Hashem our
It is easy for man to take advantage of Mashiach. descendants will continue living in. We
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the world available for his use without The association of planting with express this appreciation by planting
feeling responsible to contribute towards redemption appears in Masechet Ta’anit trees.
developing it. When the Torah tells us as well. The Gemara tells of Choni Rav Kook saw this story as a model
of Hashem’s placement of Adam in Gan HaMeagel’s question about the famous for the ideal form of tree planting and
Eden, it tells us he was placed there to pasuk that describes our redemption – for what Tu BiShvat symbolizes: “The
work and protect it (Bereishit 2:15). םי ִ מ ְ לח ְּ כ ּוניִי ָ ה ןֹוּי ִ צ ת ַ בי ׁ ִ ש־ת ֶ א ’ה בּו ׁש ְּ ב תֹול ֲ ע ַּ מ ַ ה רי ׁ ִ ש desire to plant trees should flow from
ֹ
In fact, the beginning of the second (Song of steps: when Hashem returns us the interest to help future generations,
chapter tells how Hashem delayed the to Zion, we were like dreamers). Choni which is symbolized perfectly by the
growth of trees and vegetation until He wondered whether it is possible for a carob tree” (Meged Yerachim, Chodesh
created man who would work the fields person to sleep and dream for 70 years Shevat).
(Bereishit 2:5). It is critical that man see (the length of the first exile).
himself as responsible to maintain and On Tu BiShvat we celebrate trees and
develop the world G-d created for him. One day Choni met a man planting what planting them says about us – in
a carob tree (which takes 70 years to general and specifically – in terms of our
Most plants are planted on a seasonal produce fruit). He asked the man why relationship with the Land of Israel to
basis. They provide us with food after he was planting a tree he would probably 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 25:8
ecosystem and they reward the work discussion, Choni fell asleep for 70 years. (the frame for Parshat Ki Teitzei).
invested in them with an abundance of Upon awakening, Choni met the man’s
fruit over many years. Investing in tree grandson who was enjoying the fruits of
planting requires patience and long- his grandfather’s labor.
term vision and expresses a recognition I believe there is a profound connection
of our responsibility to develop the
world. between the two parts of the story. Scan here to join Rabbi Taragin’s
Choni wondered about sleeping for 70 WhatsApp group with daily Divrei Torah
When describing the planting of trees, years and the connection to redemption.
Rav Kook (Meged Yerachim, Chodesh Tree planting is part of the answer. Rabbi Reuven Taragin is Educational

Shevat) addresses the relationship Redemption comes when people can Director of Mizrachi and Dean of the Yeshi-
between two different Hebrew words see beyond themselves and work on vat HaKotel Overseas Program.

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