The Adams Street Shul

Although we are still in the midst of winter, some hints of spring are already occurring in Israel with the appearance of the beautiful almond blossoms which herald Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees. This festival brings to mind the story of a very old man who was planting the seeds of an oak tree. A young man who saw him engaged in this activity laughed and mocked him.

 “Foolish old man,” he jeered, “you will never live to see this tree in full bloom. You are old and it will take this tree seventy-five years to mature. Why are you wasting your time in such senseless activity?”
 “My son, you have a great deal to learn,” the old man replied with a smile. “You see, I am benefiting from the labors of those who came before me. Just as they thought of me, I am thinking of those who will come after me.”

There is a deep lesson in this for all of us. We are part of an eternal community. We learn and benefit from those who preceded us and we must always act in a way which will pave the way for future generations.

Another lesson to be learned from Tu B'Shevat is that all our bounty emanates from HaShem’s blessings. Although today we get most of our produce in the supermarkets, we must never forget that without rain and proper climatic conditions, we would have nothing.

We have much for which to be thankful.

“A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR TREES!”

--- Rabbi Norbert Weinberg

{mos_sb_discuss:5}