Monthly Middah
The Lesson of the Almond Tree
Be a Doer, Not a Don’ter!
· 4 minute read
Rabbi Hillel Shaps explores the almond tree’s lesson for Tu B’Shvat, showing how joy, courage and focus can help us act on opportunities to do mitzvos.
From the Washington Jewish Journal print archive. Lightly copyedited for web publication.
The almond tree’s eagerness
“Hashkeidia Porachat – the almond tree is blossoming!” Closely associated with the day of Tu Bi’Shevat is the blossoming of the almond tree. Unlike most other trees, the almond tree puts forth its blossoms – from which its fruit eventually grow – before its leaves. It is for this reason that following Korach’s rebellion, when the other tribes challenged Shevet Levi’s right to serve in the Mishkan, Shevet Levi’s distinguished status was affirmed when Aharon Hakohen’s staff blossomed and grew almonds. Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the almond tree symbolizes an eagerness and zeal to accomplish its goal.
While other trees are still “making up their minds,” the almond tree has already acted and put its goal – the production of almonds – at the forefront. Only after it has begun the process of achieving its objective does it produce its leaves, which will help develop and sustain the fruit. This is the trait known as zerizus and was the hallmark of Shevet Levi which distinguished them from the other tribes.
The instinct to say yes
We find two instinctive reactions among people who are presented with an opportunity to do a mitzvah – whether it’s a favor for someone else, getting involved in a community endeavor, a new Torah learning opportunity or something else. Some will reflexively decline. Only after a fair amount of arm-twisting will they begin to reconsider. This group we can call the “Don’ters.” Others will instinctively want to give a “yes.” For them, it is just a matter of figuring out how it could be done. This second group are the “Doers.” They demonstrate the trait of zerizus.
Beginning the day with purpose
The opening halacha in the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 1:1) bids a person to “strengthen oneself like a lion to arise in the morning to serve one’s Creator.” From our very first moments of wakefulness, we are called upon to get fired up for the opportunity to serve Hashem – to be people who get things done. How do we cultivate this trait of zerizus within ourselves and ensure that we are amongst the Doers?
Finding energy through joy
If we were to ask the Don’ters why they cannot help or participate, we will certainly hear many valid reasons such as: they don’t have time, they don’t feel comfortable, they are too tired etc… The Mesilas Yesharim writes, however, that at the root of many of our excuses is a natural sluggishness, an aversion towards exerting ourselves – or to put it in simple terms: difficulty getting off the couch. The antidote to this sense of heaviness is, as the Mishna in Pirkei Avos (5:20) teaches us, “to be light as an eagle.” Rav Shlomo Wolbe points out that eagles aren’t actually so light – they just have big wings.
To feel light, we too need to grow wings. Our wings, says Rav Wolbe, are our sense of joy in life. The more we can engender feelings of appreciation and happiness in our lives, the more energetic we will feel!
Taking the first step
Another thing that can hold back the Don’ters from taking on new challenges are feelings of inadequacy. Rav Wolbe notes that the Gemara (Nedarim 36a) contrasts zerizim with shefeilim — lowly ones. It seems that feelings of lowliness can be the opposite of zerizus. Thoughts like, “What is my help worth?” or “It’s too difficult,” can prevent us from pulling our weight and accomplishing. To overcome this, we can turn to the same Mishna in Avos that bids us to “be bold like a leopard.” Rashi (Pesachim 112b) explains that the Mishna is instructing us to strengthen ourselves to do a mitzvah even if we don’t feel capable.
Leopards are opportunistic and when they see a chance for a kill, they are not deterred by the size of the prey. Similarly, we have to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us. If we take the first step, Hashem will give us the tools and strength to see it through.
Making room for what matters
Finally, the Orchos Tzaddikim writes that if we want to be more accomplished Doers, we have to try to eliminate the distractions in our lives. Hobbies and recreation are important for most people, but we must be calculated about how much we engage in them. If we are involved in too many futile endeavors, we won’t have time for the important things in life. We should be particularly careful about more addictive activities like using social media. Pulling away from these distractions can take great might, which is another calling of the same Mishna: “be mighty as a lion.”
Running toward our purpose
Rav Wolbe points out that the word “ratz – to run” is closely related to the word “ratzon – will” for we run to fulfill that which we desire. May we merit to align our own wills with the will of Hashem so we can “run like deer… to fulfill the will of our Father in Heaven!”
About the author
Rabbi Hillel Shaps
Director of Special Projects · Greater Washington Community Kollel
Rabbi Hillel Shaps serves as Director of Special Projects at the Greater Washington Community Kollel in Silver Spring, Maryland. He teaches in the Kollel’s community learning programs, including Semichas Chaver. His Washington Jewish Journal essays explore middos, Torah learning and the everyday opportunities to serve Hashem with enthusiasm and purpose.
