The “New Year for the Trees” is upon us – and so are the first glimmerings of Spring in Israel.
In the Book of Bemidbar, Aharon’s staff blossoms with almonds in the “Test of the Staves,” to remind Israel that his family was chosen for the responsibilities of the priesthood (Numbers 17, 16-24).
Yirmiyahu sees an almond branch or staff in his prophetic vision (Jeremiah 1, 11).
In his idyllic vision of the future, Yeshayahu describes the future descendant of the Davidic monarchy as a “shoot” or “twig” that springs forth from the roots of Yishai (Isaiah 11,1).
Yehezkel’s prophecy of redemption contains stunning imagery of calling to the hills of Israel to grow, extend their tree branches and produce fruit for the returning People of Israel (Ezekiel 36, 8).
In the Book of Devarim, Moshe gives a lyrical description of nature in the Land of Israel - the Land flowing with milk and honey, with its hills and valleys, and the “seven species” – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranate, and date-honey (Deuteronomy 8, 7-10; 11, 8-12). See this article for more about the description of the Land of Israel.
But there is also an emphasis on the dependence on God for rain, without a major water irrigation source like the Nile.
The spies sent by Moshe also describe the Land of Israel as a “land flowing with milk and honey” and bring back grapes, figs, and pomegranates (Numbers 13, 23-27).
Avraham is described as planting an “Eshel” - commonly explained as a type of tree. See this post for another interpretation and perspectives on both ideas (Genesis 21, 33).
Is Avraham’s Eshel endeavour echoed in Yitzhak’s activities in the field? A similar question can be asked about the ambiguous phrase la-suah. Is Yitzhak pruning, or speaking – or both?
Devorah the Prophetess sits under a Date Palm when people would come to her for judgment, and Shaul is depicted as sitting under an eshel and under a pomegranate tree when holding court.
What types of trees did Bnei Yisrael encounter in the desert? The Torah mentions that they encamp at Elim, where there are 12 springs of water and 70 date palms. What other types of trees did they see, and how did they gather the wood necessary for the Mishkan, such as that mentioned in chapters 25-27, 30 and 37-38 of Shemot? Here is a shiur that delves into a midrash dealing with this question.
And this colourful video tackles the meaning behind a midrash about Bnei Yisrael being surrounded by fruit trees during the Splitting of the Sea. The story of Creation provides clues to explain the midrash.