Documenting Your Family History
According to the Torah, in the 1st Chapter of Genesis, trees were the first living things on the earth, long before the appearance of man (Genesis 1:11-12). The tree of life, placed at the center of the Garden of Eden, thus became the essential symbol of the existence of the Jewish people. It has been at the core of the Jewish faith since the beginning of time.
For that, and for other reasons, trees have always had a special significance in Judaism. The Torah specifically instructs the faithful not to damage or destroy fruit trees. In modern day Israel, as a testament to the revered status of trees within the Jewish faith, a person must obtain a permit to take down a tree, even if he planted it and it is on his own property.
The planting of trees on various occasions has been a Jewish tradition for millennia. In most instances, a fruit tree is planted, as it signifies perpetual nourishment through the fruit it produces.
The Significance of Planting a Tree in the Jewish Tradition
A common theme of memorial tree planting within the Jewish faith is hope. It has long been practice on Tu Bishvat, one of the four new years in the Jewish calendar, to plant trees for all the children who were born in the previous year. Customarily, a cedar is planted for each male child born, expressing the hope that the boy will grow up strong, straight and tall. Cypresses are planted for each of the girls, so that they may be graceful and fragrant as they grow.
The planting of a tree also signifies eternity, particularly when done after the death of a loved one. The tradition originates from the story of a righteous man named Honi, who once came upon a man who was planting a carob tree. Knowing that the carob tree would take about 70 years to produce fruit, Honi asked the man if he thought he would live long enough to enjoy the fruit of the tree. The man responded that it did not matter, as he already had access to fully grown carob trees, which had been planted by his ancestors. The new carob tree was for his descendants, who would subsequently plant their own carob trees for their descendants. In this way, the carob trees lived forever.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for 125 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, we bring five generations of experience and compassion to individuals and families in New York and Florida. We have the knowledge and experience to help you with every concern, from the preparation of the memorial service or the selection of a monument to the creation of a Yahrzeit calendar or the details of sitting Shiva. We can also be your liaison with the Chevra Kadisha.
To learn how we can be assistance, send us an email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Where Relationships Matter
Family Owned and Operated Since 1892
Rockville Centre: (516)764-9400 | Woodbury: (516)921-5757 | Brooklyn: (718)284-1500