When Sun and Soil Sync: The Tu B’Svhat and Human Dynamic of Giving and Receiving

As we have been preparing for Tu B’Shvat we have been spending lots of time focusing on the famous verse,כִּ֤י הָֽאָדָם֙ עֵ֣ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה, “for humans are like the tree of the field” (Dev. 20:19), and discussing the ways in which we, as are similar to trees in our physical traits— our arms, our bodies, our trunks and our branches.

However, after studying R. Kook, I was given a different angle in understanding this powerful comparison between plants and humans.  It can be best explained through three elements:

Netina-נתינה-Giving-Part of the critical lifeblood of the tree are the sources that nourish.   Sunlight, CO2, and water are gifts of generosity that sustain help trees grow from their small seeds to their great heights.

This dynamic happens with humans as well.   The righteous, the tsadik, gives to others--reaching out and giving physical, emotional or financial support to help others grow and flourish.  

Kabbalah-קבלה-Receiving-The health of the tree relies on the quality and amount of fertile soil in which it dwells.  The only way for plants and trees to  reach their full potential is by existing in an environment that is open to receiving sustenance. 

So too, with humanity.  While giving is certainly a key ingredient to holiness, there is great tsedek, righteousness, in receiving.  We not only have to learn to give, but also we need to learn how to rely upon and lean on others.  Opening our hands and hearts to receive is a key element to growth.

Chibur-חיבור-Connecting-Finally, we are like trees in the ways we connect the two.  The full dynamic of flourishing happens when we are constantly giving and receiving.  The tree trunk connects—it reaches toward the heavens, and, at the same time, is rooted to the ground.

And this is also the case with all of us.  By both giving and receiving—our fullness is reached.  

Just like the ladder in the dream of Jacob, when we see ourselves as being grounded on earth, but reaching up toward heaven—we live a life of giving and receiving and give ourselves the best chance of achieving tsedakah and Kedusha.

Tu B’Shvat Sameach.