Jewish tradition has taught for generations about "paying it forward." In one famous Talmudic tale of Honi the Circle Maker, we read:
One day, Honi the Circle Maker was walking on the road and saw a man planting a carob tree. Honi asked the man, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?”
The man replied, “Seventy years.”
Honi then asked the man, “And do you think you will live another seventy years and eat the fruit of this tree?”
The man answered, “Perhaps not. However, when I was born into this world, I found many carob trees planted by my father and grandfather. Just as they planted trees for me, I am planting trees for my children and grandchildren so they will be able to eat the fruit of these trees.”
This story is often used to express the Jewish value of providing for the future in fundraising campaigns - reminding us of another rabbinic teaching: eyn kemach eyn torah - "without flour (sustenance=$$=diñeiro) there is no Torah." That is, without financial support of our institutions and causes, there can be no substantive learning and activity. How true.
Of course, there are myriad additional ways for our community to "pay it forward" for the generations yet to come. This evening begins the holiday of Tu B'shevat - the Birthday of the Trees. Traditionally associated with the time that sap begins to run again in the trees in the land of Israel, it is our celebration of our commitment to maintaining the natural world. Somewhat of a Jewish "earth day" and environmental lollapalooza.
What are you doing to plant trees for the future?
