TORAT MIZRACHI MIZRACHI EDUCATORS

Rabbi Reuven Taragin Rabbanit Shani Taragin

The Deeper Meaning of Planting Trees

.work on behalf of their people’s future ֵ ח שׁ ֶ ק – hazal teach us that tree planting that describe human motivation will).2 The interest to We finish planting before greeting) ֵח ֶפץ is how we best imitate and draw (desire) and close to G-d (Vayikra Rabbah plant may initially be motivated by the Mashiach because the belief expressed C25:3, Tanchuma 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. form – the will to create and contribute. the world, we too are commanded to do Knowing the temporary nature of so upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This idea In emphasizing the importance of tree their presence in each place, 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 1 Hashem our descendants will continue the world available for his use without The association of planting with living in. We express this appreciation feeling responsible to contribute redemption appears in Masechet by planting trees. towards developing it. When the Ta’anit as well. The Gemara tells of 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 for what Tu BiShvat symbolizes: “The ׁ ִשיר ַה ַּמ ֲעלוֹ ת ְּבשׁ ּוב ה’ ֶאת־ – placed there to work and protect it redemption Song of steps: desire to plant trees should flow from) ׁ ִש ַיבת ִצ ּיוֹ ן ָה ִי ּינו ְּכ ְחֹל ִמים Bereishit 2:15). In fact, the beginning) 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). On Tu BiShvat we celebrate trees and as responsible to maintain and develop 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 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. 2 On this topic, see also Bereishit 34:8 versus hand, they are a critical part of the was planting for future ones. After this 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 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.

8 | MIZRACHI EDUCATORS TORAT MIZRACHI

Rabbi Reuven Taragin Rabbanit Shani Taragin

Tu BiShvat and 2020 Hindsight: Moonfulness and Mindfulness

wenty-twenty (20/20) clear vision, position is predicated on the potential day, should be meaningful in the pres- knowledge and understanding, miracle of the oil, and therefore as each ent! If you find a delicacy on Wednes- is colloquially reserved for those day progresses, the power of potential day, then bless Hashem and eat it on Twho reflect upon events in hindsight, wanes. According to Beit Hillel, we cel- Wednesday, appreciating the goodness for only then may we appreciate lessons ebrate the miracle manifest each day, manifest daily. learned. augmented as the days progress. Our Sages have taught us to adopt the As man is compared to a “tree in the Similarly, Rav Shlomo Zevin (LeOr halachic teachings of Beit Hillel’s mind- field” (Devarim 20:19), Tu BiShvat 5781 HaHalacha, pp. 395–455) explains fulness while appreciating Beit Sham- is a most opportune time for us to be another dispute between the schools mai’s perspective of future-minded-po- more mindful of our growth over the of Hillel and Shammai relating to the tential. Tu BiShvat is a time to be mindful past few months and anticipate immi- fire/light of Havdalah (Berachot 51b). of the present, the beautiful moonlight nent blossoming for the future. Beit Shammai teaches that one should manifest in so many aspects of our lives. It clarifies our vision and outlook and שׁ ֶ ָ ּ ב ָ ר א ְמ א ֹ ו ר ָה ֵ א שׁ teach us powerful messages of recite the beracha of reflection through the debate between (past tense and singular) vs. Beit Hillel helps us acknowledge the many bless- present ings amidst the challenges of the past) ּב וֹ ֵר א ְמ א וֹ ֵר י ָה ֵא שׁ Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai regarding who maintain the date of the New Year for Trees in tense and plural). Beit Shammai blesses months. Shevat (Rosh HaShanah 1:1). Beit Sham- for the potential of fire created through As we celebrate the new trees in nature, mai maintains that this new year is just one source during the six days of Cre- planting afresh, and as we move to a like the other three roshei shana – all of ation, whereas Beit Hillel blesses for the post-Covid reality (speedily in our days), 1 which begin on the first of the month. overt manifestations of light provided we recognize that the past few months Beit Hillel states that the New Year for by the many hues of fire observed in the have helped us see “the extraordinary in Trees should be celebrated on the 15th present. the ordinary... the present. Being mindful of nature can be viewed as a holy activity of Shevat, just as we commemorate the Now we may appreciate the moon/light in itself. It can be a way to connect to agriculturally and historically oriented debate between Beit Shammai and Beit 2 the Divine.” holidays of Pesach and on the Hillel regarding the celebration of Tu 15th of their respective months of Nissan BiShvat. Beit Shammai maintains that May the “moonfulness” on Tu BiShvat and Tishrei. we celebrate at the time of the New provide us with 20/20 hindsight to be This debate may be understood through Moon – awaiting the potential process more mindful and appreciative of the another well-known machloket between for waxing, growth and blossoming. Beit daily miracles of health and nature. the Schools of Hillel and Shammai Hillel states that the new year should be “Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the regarding the number of candles lit celebrated on the 15th of the month, at future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s each day of Chanukah. Beit Shammai the time of the Full Moon. We should be called the present.” (Bill Keane). May we maintains that we light eight candles on mindful of the light fully manifest (as for be zocheh to celebrate our G-d-given the first night and descend in number Chanukah and Havdalah)! present. each subsequent day, whereas Beit Hillel Beit Shammai focuses on the potential teaches to light one candle on the first for the future – future miracles, future 1 Rosh Hashanah 14a: most of the rains have come and now the fruit may blossom. night and ascend to eight candles by the fire, future moonlight, just as he lives final night ( 21b). 2 Dr. Jonathan Feiner, Mindfulness: A Jewish every day of the week for the upcoming Approach, p. 100. Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk (Beit Shabbat, putting aside every delicacy

Yosef, Tur, OC 670) explains that already in anticipation of the highlight of the Rabbanit Shani Taragin is Educational on the first day of lighting, the oil con- week (Beitza 16a). Beit Hillel teaches us Director of Mizrachi and the Director of tained the potential for the ensuing seven to focus more on the moment – “Baruch the Mizrachi Matan Lapidot Educators' days of miraculous light! Beit Shammai’s Hashem Yom Yom” – every action, every Program.

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