Among the many mitzvot discussed in this week's Torah portion we discuss the prohibition against wanton destruction of something valuable. For example, the law that forbids cutting down a fruit tree when laying siege. In this context, the Torah makes the famous statement, “for man is a tree of the field”.
There are many vignettes explaining why a person is compared to a tree. Here are nine https://www.harfordchabad.org/2460857, if you wish to read more.
One insight I heard from Rabbi YY Jacobson resonates profoundly. The great sequoia trees in Northern California are some of the tallest, strongest, and most grand trees in the world. One would assume that their roots are some of the deepest in the world to withstand the extreme weather and winds that they endure. It was discovered that the roots are shallow, but what the roots lacked in depth, they made up for in breadth.
This means - very significantly - the roots spread wide just beneath the surface and interlink with the roots of other trees. TOGETHER, all these relatively shallow roots hold onto each other for strength and nurture one another. This fortifies them so that they may be able to withstand whatever life and the environment may throw at them.
We are a community. A diverse community. When we connect and hold onto each other for support, we will remain upright, be fortified and strong to withstand life's inevitables. When interconnected, we will share much joy, peace, serenity, and growth.
Because "a person is a tree of the field".
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. our connectedness has led us to be able to plan for the groundbreaking of the Harford Haven on Sunday, September 22 at 2pm!
Hope you can join us!
