Renewing Our Relationship with the Tree ....where have we come from and where are we going?  What are our mistakes and what is our potential for the future?  How can we use the example of Chava to look at ourselves and draw strength to grow?

The Midrash explains that Israel could not listen to Moshe because it was difficult for them to separate themselves from idol-worship. The word for idol-worship in Hebrew is avoda zara, which literally means strange work. Therefore, any kind of "strange work" can block our ability to hear the voice of G-d. Before sinning, Adam and Chava lived in the Gan Eden, where they could enjoy its fruits without having to work at all. They were free to devote themselves totally to hearing the voice of G- d. Because they misused this opportunity to listen, it was taken away from them. From now on man became cursed to work with the sweat of his brow in order to make a living. Being caught up in hard work can prevent people from hearing the inner voice of G- d, in the same way the men in Mitzrayim were unable to hear the words of redemption.

THE WOMEN WERE ABLE TO HEAR

The Jewish women in Mitzrayim could see beyond their momentarily enslavement. Servitude did not drag them down to forget about the possibility of freedom. In spite of the bitterness of their situation, they were able to envision the future redemption. Therefore, they are praised for enticing their husbands to have relations in order to bear children. While the men had given up hope, the women believed in a better future. In this way, their emunah (faith) was complete. True faith is to see our situation in perspective - to understand that whatever we must tolerate at the moment, is only a tiny piece in the great puzzle of life.

As we approach Tu B'Shevat, it is important to meditate on the possibilities as we start to draw out of the slumber of winter:

Ø      Do we put unreasonable conditions upon ourselves so that we can't grow, or won't grow...or do we renew ourselves as the tree each year, shedding its leaves, renewing its strength, and starting anew with fruit and leaves?  Are we a strength to those around us, bringing clarity and "fruit?"  Do we HEAR?

Ø      How can we use our tree-like nature to heal the relationship between humanity and nature!?  We are as trees  - all throughout the Tanach there are references to trees and Hashem.  Trees are involved in prosperity, judgment, and viewed as an allegory to Hashem's people.  When the trees are bare and fruitless, so are His people suffering.  When trees are to be uprooted, so comes impending punishment.  But when the trees rejoice, when they are planted around and fruitful, Hashem's blessing is upon His people and we are fruitful as well.  Where are we in Hashem's economy?  Klal Yisrael?

Ø      Are we able to take and use the tree to restore the Earth - look at the climate changes that are ensuing...if we could only see that not far from the tree is true help.  Remember how the planting of trees in Yisrael started affecting rain patterns and agriculture.  We need trees - trees to mend the world!!

Ø      Discover the inner connection between people and trees and the secret of the rising sap ...where does our strength, our sweetness come from?  Are we renewed each year to produce new energy to nourish our branches and to nourish others through the coming year?  What does this dormancy bring to you?

Ø      Working the land by planting trees can bring the final Geulah (redemption)! But also by working ourselves will we help in bringing the final Geulah!  We are directly involved in Tikkun Olam environmentally when we plant trees and when we take care of the spark in our neshamot.

Ø      Worrying too much about being physically comfortable can make us ignore the suffering of our soul. G-d gave us the gift of an extra soul on Shabbat, in order to free ourselves from the enslavement of our body. Likewise, refraining from the thirty-nine malachot (creative works) on Shabbat enables us to hear the word of G-d. May we all merit hearing the voice of G-d, talking to us at every moment.

Please remember to set aside money for tree planting in Yisrael.  Due to the rocket attacks in the war the summer of 2006, many forests were burned.  Yisrael needs the trees - so does the world.   

As you meditate on how to improve and prune your "trees" as it were, remember the line of inspiration said every Shabbat:  "The righteous shall flourish as a date-palm..." Psalm 92

Yasher Koach!