Shoftim is the Torah portion with the famous verse which compares “man to a tree of the field”. True, this is usually celebrated on Tu Bishvat (Jewish New Year for Trees) but this Parsha and verse is a good time as any to discuss why people are compared to trees. We asked this question around the Cozy-Shabbat table and here’s some of what people (students, alumni, guests) shared:
Water! Both trees and people need water to survive.
Roots! Trees depend on strong deep roots, and for people as well, strong roots are a great source of nourishment and support.
Tree branches spreading in all directions symbolize the human ability to diversify, to be broad, to spread and reach outward in all kinds of different ways.
Growth is the key. Trees start off as saplings or seeds, and keep growing stronger and taller year after year. People also grow and mature physically, but more importantly, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually.
Trees don’t become who they over night. Growth is gradual, it takes time and effort, patience and consistency. They work hard at it, setting roots, translating light into nourishment, building up strength, as do we.
Both trees and people seek out and grow towards the light. The sapling pushes its way out of the dark earth, the tree reaches high toward the forest canopy, light is the focus, light is the goal. And for people as well, we are always seeking light and striving towards it.
Why do trees in the forest grow so tall and straight? (aside for their seeking the light) my grandfather shared that it has to do with forest trees not being alone, but surrounded by a support system of friends and family who help them grow tall with good posture in the right direction.
One of my children was born on Tu Bishvat and I remember the Rabbi going on about all types of people-tree analogies. I don’t remember them all, but I guess what I feel most is how all the work of the trees growth pays off with the delicious Nachas-fruit we get to pick in abundant measure!
Trees are very resilient. Trees can lose limbs, they can be trimmed or cut, yet they often rebound, sprout new leaves, make new growth. People can be like that, too. No matter the damage, no matter the pain, as long as we have enough to get back up and get going again, that’s the miracle of resilience.
Protective bark. Trees have protective layers to keep their insides safe from outside problems. Humans, too, often need to develop a thick skin, to keep our more delicate and sensitive insides from being hurt by some of the bad stuff out there.
Conditions and environment play a huge role. Trees change from season to season, the weather conditions, the time of year, makes a big difference. Same with people, we are deeply affected by what’s going on around us and how we react to all that.
Trees are very versatile. They have so many uses: from furniture to paper, fruits to shade. They cleanse the atmosphere, keep the world in balance, and provide habitat and forest cover for all types of animals, birds and crawling creatures. People also have many roles to play in life, each person plays many roles, and does and contributes many things.
Hope to post more of people’s responses and thoughts soon…