Israel Forever

For the week ending 11 February 2012 / 17 Shevat 5772

Trees and Torah

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

The week Jews in Israel and throughout the world marked Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, by eating fruits that grew in Eretz Israel or are related to the land in a Torah passage describing the fruits that the land is famous for. The secular community has turned it into a sort of Arbor Day in which trees are planted in national forests.

It is interesting to note the connection between trees and the Torah portion that will be read this Shabbat in synagogues everywhere. Parshat Yitro relates the giving of the Torah to our people, and King David has already described, in the very first chapter of Tehillim, how the man "whose desire is Torah" is "like a tree planted by the parting of the waters… whose every effort meets with success."

This link between Torah and Eretz Yisrael should inspire us to plant more "Torah trees" which will bear the fruit of success for Israel forever.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.