The Nuclear Potential, Rabbi Avraham Cohen
From the Torah we learn: ‘For man is like a tree of the field’ (Deuteronomy 32:19). This fundamental truth is known even to young children and has even become the subject of a popular song. But what really connects man and tree? When we go out into the field on Tu Bishvat and sit in the cool shade of the trees, can we also learn a lesson that can guide us in our daily lives? Look at the tree. Its sturdy trunk and far-reaching branches are impressive, but it all started with one tiny seed. The ‘nuclear’ potential contained in that tiny seed is nothing short of amazing – a modest investment in a seed can yield a mighty tree that bears excellent fruit. Every child is like that seed, and an adult is like the tree. If we want our children to grow into stable, valuable adults, we must invest in them from the very beginning – even when they are just babies. The benefits of that early investment will ultimately bear fruit for everyone when these children grow into responsible, principled people who contribute to society. Let us now turn our gaze to the earth and look for the roots. Although invisible to the eye, the roots are there, and without them, a tree cannot withstand the storms of nature. Even if the tree survives for a while, one day a strong wind could uproot it completely. In a similar way, faith is like the roots that give a person stability and inner strength in times of crisis. Without that anchorage, external pressures – whether strong winds, social forces or a changing environment – can disrupt a life. But a tree is more than just its seed and roots. It also has a trunk and branches. Faith alone is not enough; one must move forward, grow and develop. The trunk and branches symbolise a person’s good deeds. Is there a commandment? The tree grows a little further! Have you honoured your parents? Then another branch is born! And behold, the tree continues to grow – a healthy tree never stops growing. If growth were to ever stop, its branches would wither and shri
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