„In the very midst of winter, it is worth remembering the planning of…”
„In the very midst of winter, it is worth remembering the planning of the days of growth: the desire to plant trees stems from the wish to benefit the coming generations, whose principal force is highlighted in the carob tree. (Meged Yerachim, the month of Shevat)”
When one plants a tree, one places into the earth a seed or a sapling from which there is no benefit at all at the first stage. The thought at that moment is a thought about the future—forgoing a small seed that could have been eaten now, for the sake of a great tree that may grow from it and sustain the generation that comes after us. A present investment for the future.
The month of Shevat, which contains the New Year for the Trees—which fall in the very midst of winter—teaches us a deep way of looking, a deep building of something that will benefit the future and the long range. In our generation, which is so occupied with present building, the touch of true nature must constantly remind us of the bond between the generations—of our contribution to the continuation of the world's life, to the coming generations. A good month!
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For the recovery of Roza bat Bova
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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.