Last updated 11:10 p.m. EDT on 6/5/97.

Trees in Jewish Life

Tree picture Trees have a tremendous amount of symbolism in Jewish life and thought. Our Torah is referred to as a Tree of Life, and much that we are as Jews springs from this tree.

Trees provide people with wood for building, paper for writing, fruit to eat. They offer homes to birds and animals, cool us with their shade, and protect soil from erosion. Trees are so important that one of the oldest Jewish charitable organizations is the Jewish National Fund, which plants trees in the land of Israel. Once a year, we honor trees and their gifts on the holiday of Tu B'Shevat.

Jewish Customs Relating to Trees

Tree picture An ancient custom that has been revived recently (at least in some circles) is to plant a tree for each child born to a family. A fragrant cypress tree is planted for a girl baby; a sturdy cedar tree is planted for a boy baby. When these children and their trees have grown to maturity, branches from the girl's tree and the boy's tree are harvested and woven together to form a part of their wedding chuppah (canopy).

A Short Tale About Trees

Tree picture Once Honi the Circle-maker was walking along the road when he saw a man planting a carob tree. Honi asked, "How long will it be before this tree you plant bears fruit?"

The man answered, "Seventy years."

Honi replied, "Seventy years! How can you be sure that you will be alive in seventy years to eat the fruit from this tree?"

The man answered, "I found this world filled with carob trees when I was born. Just as my ancestors planted for me, so shall I plant for my children and grandchildren."

TREES - A Poem by Harry Behn

Tree picture Trees are the kindest things I know,
They do no harm, they simply grow
And spread a shade for sleepy cows,
And gather birds among their boughs,
They give us fruit in leaves above,
And wood to make our houses of,
And leaves to burn on Hallowe'en,
And in the Spring new buds of green.

Tree picture They are the first when day's begun
To touch the beams of morning sun.
They are the last to hold the light
When evening changes into night.
And when a moon floats on the sky
They hum a drowsy lullaby
Of sleepy children long ago...
Trees are the kindest thing I know.

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