As Tu B’Shevat begins this evening at sundown, the image of trees seems an appropriate metaphor for our own lives. I find the words from the Mishnah inspiring:
From Pirkei Avot:
“One whose wisdom exceeds their deeds, to what may they be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, so that when the wind comes, it uproots it and overturns it, as it is said, ‘They shall be like a bush in the desert, which does not sense the coming of good. It is set in the scorched places of the wilderness, in a barren land without inhabitant’ (Jeremiah 17:6). But one whose deeds exceed their wisdom, to what may they be compared? To a tree whose branches are few but roots are many, so that even if all the winds in the world come and blow upon it, they cannot move it out of its place, as it is said, “They shall be like a tree planted by waters, sending forth its roots by a stream. It does not sense the coming of heat, its leaves are ever fresh. It has no care in a year of drought; it does not cease to yield fruit.” (ibid, 17:8)
When we choose to be like a tree, when we teach our children the values to emulate, let it be a tree with many roots. May our deeds speak for themselves and may we plant trees of life in our own gardens to make the world a better place.
— Cantor Nathan Lam