Celebrating Trees and Their Message of Hope
By Rabbi Brahm Weinberg, Kemp Mill Synagogue – Silver Spring, MD
The Mishna (Brachot 35a) says that there are different brachot that Chazal instituted for foods depending on their type, growth, and usage. One of the things the Mishna tells us is that the bracha over fruit of the tree is “Borei Pri Haetz” and the bracha over fruit of the ground is “Borei Pri Haadama.” How do we define fruits of the ground vs. fruits of the tree? What is the halachic definition of a tree? Do we follow the botanical or scientific definition? Do we follow some colloquial definition? Do we follow a definition that is subjective based on what we see and feel?
The Halachic Definition of a Tree
According to the simple reading of the Gemara, the fruit of perennials would be haetz, whereas the fruit of annuals would be haadama. Fruit that comes from a plant that remains from year to year and simply generates new fruit would receive a bracha of haetz, whereas fruit that comes from a plant that needs to be replanted each year would receive a bracha of haadama. Regeneration is part of the definition of a tree.
Regeneration and the Message of Hope
The Gemara is pointing to the great hope of regeneration that is inherent in every tree. Even when a part of the tree that remains after the season is over appears to be lifeless, one can and must have the faith and understanding that beneath the surface there is still the potential for life and rebirth.
What an amazingly hopeful and empowering thought! The tree itself, by its nature, provides for such a marvelous metaphor for life and a philosophy that each of us can strive to emulate: Even when things seem down or depressed or dull or tedious or wearying… we can and must still believe that beneath the surface radical change is happening and that more of life is yet to come.
It is that metaphor of hope for life contained within the very DNA of a tree that is celebrated and reinforced by the holiday of Tu Bishvat. It is a day which reminds us of the importance of looking at life not in a superficial way, but in a way that sees the hope and the possibilities that lie beneath the surface. May those hopes come to fruition, and may we enjoy the fruits that are yet to come.
Rabbi Brahm Weinberg has served as the Rabbi of Kemp Mill Synagogue (KMS) in Silver Spring, Maryland since August 2015. Through his vision, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to community growth, he has helped KMS become a dynamic center of Jewish life, offering innovative programming and fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere that deepens members’ connection to Judaism. Rabbi Weinberg earned his Master’s degree and Semicha from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), where he studied in the Katz Kollel. He received numerous honors, including the Torah Umadda Award, as well as distinctions in Gemara and History, reflecting both his intellectual rigor and passion for Torah learning and teaching. Beyond the synagogue, Rabbi Weinberg serves as Secretary of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington, contributing to the strength of the broader Jewish community. Together with his wife, Elana, and their family, he exemplifies dedication, scholarship, and service. Rabbi Weinberg delivers multiple daily shiurim, including his well-known “Rashi a Day” and “5-Minute KMS Divrei Halacha,” available on Apple Podcasts.
