The Torah of Trees

Leviticus 19:23-25

When you enter the land and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten.

In the fourth year all its fruit shall be set aside for jubilation before HaShem..

And only in the fifth year may you use its fruit—that its yield to you may be increased.

Taanit 7a

Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak said: Why are Torah matters likened to a tree, as it is stated: “It is a tree of life to them who lay hold upon it” (Proverbs 3:18)? This verse comes to tell you that just as a small piece of wood can ignite a large piece, so too, minor Torah scholars can sharpen great Torah scholars and enable them to advance in their studies. And this is what Rabbi Ḥanina said: I have learned much from my teachers and even more from my friends, but from my students I have learned more than from all of them.

Rosh HaShanah 1:1

There are four new years: The first of Nisan is the new year for kings and for festivals. The first of Elul is the new year for the tithe of beasts. Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Shimon say: the first of Tishri. The first of Tishri is the new year for years, for shmitta and jubilee years, for planting and for [tithe of] vegetables. The first of Shevat is the new year for trees, according to the words of Bet Shammai. Bet Hillel says: on the fifteenth of that month.

Psalms 1:1-3

Happy is the person who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of sinners, or joined the company of the insolent; rather, the teaching of HaShem is his delight, and they study that teaching day and night. They are like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, whose foliage never fades, and whatever it produces thrives.