Tu B’Shvat

In honor of Tu B’Shvat, there is a beautiful story from מסכת תענית, using trees as the analogy.

The Gemara relates that when Rav Nachman took leave of Rav Yitzchak, he asked him for a blessing.

Rav Yitzchak answered by describing a beautiful tree that gave the sweetest and most delicious fruit. This tree also provided wonderful shade and was alongside a stream of clear drinking water. The only praise for that tree was that the seeds of this tree should grow into similar beautiful trees.

You, Rav Nachman, have been blessed with wealth and wisdom. You are outstanding in your character and Midot. The only blessing for you is that your seed, your descendants, should follow in your path.

Torah is עץ החיים, the tree of life. May our connection to Torah influence us, our children and children’s children. טו בשבט שמח