Tu biShvat – The new Years of the Trees is a holiday that is often minimalized. It is much more than merely the “Jewish Arbor Day” as it is frequently referred to by modern thinkers. It is a celebration of trees. It is hard from many to understand that trees are central in Jewish thought, which closely relates to man’s relationship with the natural environment, the understanding of Torah (Scriptures), Jewish ethics and the Jewish lifestyle and life cycle.

There are two kinds of trees. One kind of tree bears fruit that is good to eat, whereas the other, the pine trees, grow fruit that can’t be eaten.

When the wind blows and passes among the trees the pine trees whistle in a loud voice. However, the fruit trees are quiet and can hardly be heard.

The fruit trees were asked: “Why don’t you make a noise when wind blows? Why don’t you whistle like the pine trees?”

The fruit trees answered: “We have heavy and tasty fruit. We can’t sway in the wind, for we might damage our fruit. We don’t have to make a noise

because even when we are quiet, people come to us to enjoy our fruit”.

The pine trees were asked: “Why do you whistle and make a noise when the wind blows? Why aren’t you quite like the fruit trees?’’

The pine trees answered: “We have light fruit that can’t be eaten. We sway with every little breeze. If we did not whistle and make a noise – no one would pay attention to us or see us…”

People are like that too. Those who are good and wise, and are liked by all, are quiet and modest. They voice their opinions quietly and peacefully. But, people who are empty and foolish, and have nothing to offer – they shout and speak in the loudest of voices so that all will pay attention to them. If they did not scream – they would not be seen.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

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