135 —לקחים מט"ו בשבט, שורשים, צמיחה והשפעה על אחרים

B"H, Tuesday, 21 Shevat 5704.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Enclosed you will find a receipt for your donation to support the schools under the administration of the Central Committee for Education. A heartfelt thank you is given to you in the name of "Melach" for your participation in the project of educating Jewish boys and girls in purity and holiness.

We have strong hope that you will continue to take part in this work and strive to influence your acquaintances and friends to become interested in it and help "Melach", each according to their ability. Whoever brings his friend to do a good deed has his friend's merit dependent on him.

This is also related to this month's special day—Tu BiShvat (the New Year for Trees). There is much to learn from it: when a person pays attention to everything around him, he can gain wisdom from every matter regarding his relationship with G‑d and with others—not only from unusual events but even from the most common things. For example, from a growing tree there are many lessons for daily life.

I will point out some of them: Most plants, especially trees, are composed of several parts generally divided into three: root; body of the tree (trunk, branches, leaves); fruits (peel, actual fruit, seeds). The differences between them: The root is hidden from sight but is the main source of life for the tree (even though trees also absorb necessary materials through their leaves from the air and gather warmth from sunlight etc.). Moreover, it is specifically through the root that the tree stands firm; if its roots are strong it need not fear any winds that might uproot it. The body of the tree constitutes most of its structure; over time it increases in thickness with more branches and leaves. Through this—especially via its trunk—the age of the tree can be known. But the ultimate perfection of a tree is when it produces fruit; through its seeds it sows new trees generation after generation.

Now man is like a tree in the field—meaning that in many ways a person resembles what we see in a tree or plant—even spiritually. These too are generally divided into three types: The root is faith by which one connects with his source of life—the Creator blessed be He—and even as one grows in wisdom, Torah, and mitzvos his vitality continues through his faith in G‑d, His religion and Torah. The trunk/body represents Torah study and observance of mitzvos and good deeds; these should make up most of one's actions. Usually one's mitzvos and Torah growth reflect his years—a life filled with wisdom and action. Fruits—the ultimate perfection—is when one not only fulfills all personal obligations but also influences friends and surroundings so they too reach completeness; thus his actions are like seeds producing new trees (people) with roots (core faith), trunks/branches (Torah/good deeds), bearing fruit (benefiting many).

The conclusion: A person's root and essence is pure faith. Weakness in faith endangers even a great person's spiritual existence. The majority of one's being should be ever-increasing good deeds. But true perfection is bearing fruit—influencing many so they too fulfill their purpose; then one's actions bear fruit generation after generation—and this merit depends on him.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that just as a tree's strength lies in its roots yet reaches fulfillment by bearing fruit for others, so too must we strengthen our faith while striving to positively influence those around us—ensuring our impact endures across generations.