“So shall your seed be” (Gen. 15:5).

A man set out on a journey and traveled through the wilderness a day, two days, three days, ten days, without finding any town, wayside inn, or tree or water or any living creature. After traveling ten days, he saw a magnificent tree in the distance and thought: that there may be water under it. When he reached the tree, he found that it stood over a spring. He saw how beautiful the tree was and the delicious fruit that hung from its branches. The tree was tall with graceful branches that provided wonderful shade.

The man, being tired, sat down and cooled himself in the tree’s shade, ate some of its fruit and drank from the spring. He sat under the tree for a long time until he was well rested and refreshed. When he rose to go, he turned to the tree and said: “Tree, O tree, what blessing can I bestow upon you, and what parting word shall I offer you?”

“That your wood may be fine?

            It is already fine.

That your shade be pleasant?

            It is already pleasant.

That your branches be graceful?

            They are beautiful and graceful.”

“That your fruit be delicious?

         Your fruit is delicious and tasty.

That a spring issue from beneath your roots?

        A spring already flows with sweet refreshing water from beneath your roots.

That you stand in an attractive spot?

       You already stand in such a pleasing place”

“The prophets spoke and said: ‘And by the stream, upon its bank, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for food, whose leaf shall not wither, nor shall its fruit fail; it shall bring forth fresh fruit every month, because the waters for them flow from the sanctuary; and their fruit shall be for food, and their leaves for healing.’ (Ezekiel 47: 12) ‘ ”

“The sweet singer of Israel Spoke and said: ‘They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1:3)’ “

“Did not the wise men of old say: ‘Trees were created for man’s companionship.’” (Genesis Rabbah 13:2)

“How then shall I bless you?”

“There is one thing with which I can bless you: May it be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He that all the trees planted from your seed should be like you…”

Based on Taanis 5b and Numbers Rabbah 2:12

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

 

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook  or tweet us on Twitter