In Parshat Shoftim, it says that man cannot cut down a fruit tree because man is a tree of the field. Jews have strong roots like trees. Over time, the roots get stronger in the ground, making a home for themselves. The Jews have that home — which is called Israel — and slowly but surely, the roots that our forefathers placed there are getting stronger as more Jews make themselves a home there. However, the Jews also have spiritual roots. Judaism is a religion that despite all its struggles, it is still lasting and it is due to the roots of our forefathers, slavery in Egypt, receiving the Torah and the rest of our 100s of years of Jewish history.

There are other similarities that Jews have with trees. We are always blessed to be fruitful. The trees that we are not allowed to cut are trees that bear fruits. Why is that? A Jew is not a tree that not only has leaves but also one with fruit. Many people may think that being fruitful is just having children, but a tree with fruit is so much more. A fruit tree is a giving tree! A tree with fruit gives people nutrition and parnasa to some. The Jews are people who give and don’t just want to receive. We can go back to our roots with Avraham who even in his pain after getting a brit (circumcision) wanted so badly to invite guests — after a long journey — into his home. We are told to give charity and have mitzvot which require us to be giving, just like a fruitful tree. The Jewish people strive on being united, together and helping each other. We need to continue holding on strong to our roots and giving to others. We should be seen by everyone like the trees that can not be cut down because we are too strong, and like trees, we are also not allowed to be cut down because of our fruitfulness.

By Shira Sedek