Rav Moshe Wolfson is the Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshivas Torah V’Daas, and Rebbe of Congregation Emunas Yisroel in Boro Park. He is also the author of a three volume work on the Parshios of Chumash and the Moadim entitled “Emunas Itecha.”  The translation and annotation is provided as a public service in honor of the impending Yom Tov.

The Mogain Avrohom (Orech Chaim 494) cites a custom to bring trees into our homes and synagogues on the holiday of Shavuos.  He writes that he believes the reason for this custom is because on this holiday we are judged on the fruits of trees.  This is done so that we will pray for the trees [to have a plentiful bounty].

Rav Moshe Wolfson Shlita explains: It is clear that the type of trees that we bring into our homes and shuls must perforce be barren, non-fruit-bearing trees. Why is this true?  If it was otherwise, it would be a halachic impossibility, as there is a Torah prohibition of cutting down fruit trees - Bal Tashchis  (See Dvarim 20:19 and tractate Bava Kamma 91a). .

There is, however, a fascinating Tikunei Zohar (Tikkun 55 p. 55a) which could shed enormous insight on this custom.  It states that on Shavuos they (Klal Yisroel) shall be redeemed from the exile.  On it will awaken the light of the Messianic King, and on it we read the Megilah of Ruth.

Rashi in Parshas BeChukosai cites a Drasha from the Toras Kohanim on the verse in VaYikrah (26:4), “And the tree of the field shall give its fruit.”  The Toras Kohanim states:  “In the future the barren non-fruit-bearing trees shall produce fruit.”

According to the combined ideas found in the Tikunei Zohar and our Rashi we may say as follows:  We specifically and purposefully bring in non-fruit bearing barren trees to our homes and shuls.  Why?  So that we may pray for them – that they should produce fruit.  Hidden within this prayer lies another prayer – a prayer for the redemption and for the arrival of Messianic times.  If we, because of our flaws do not merit this through our own virtues – then perhaps He will do it on account of the trees.

This is similar to the explanation that the Talmud Yerushalmi (Bava Metziah 2:5) gives for the verse in Tehillim (36:7), “Man and beast, You shall redeem Hashem.”  The Yerushalmi explains this to mean that “Man should be redeemed through the merit of the animals.”  In the same vein we try to attempt to bring about our salvation at least through the merit of the trees.

May we all have a meaningful Kabbolas HaTorah and bring the Geulah BiM’heira Beyameinu Amain!

The translator can be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com