The Countless Benefits of Trees
There are so many ways we benefit from trees. They provide wood, which we use constantly in our day-to-day lives. Tables, chairs, closets, bookshelves—all are made from wood. And of course, paper is a byproduct of wood. We use it endlessly for newspapers, sefarim (books, including Torah books), notebooks, and so much more.
Trees also give shade. On a hot day, sitting beneath a tree is refreshing and comforting. Wood is used as fuel, too—charcoal for barbecues originates from wood. Beyond these practical uses, trees play a vital role in the ecosystem. They absorb excess carbon dioxide and release oxygen so we can breathe. And on top of all this, they produce delicious fruit.
The Torah’s Commandment: Do Not Destroy
Because we gain so much from trees, the Torah commands us to treat them with respect. In this week’s parashah, the Torah teaches that when Bnei Yisrael (the Jewish nation) besiege an enemy city, they are forbidden to cut down fruit trees (Devarim 20:19). The reason is simple: trees are part of Hashem (God)’s creation, full of benefit to humankind. We are meant to value and appreciate them—not destroy them unnecessarily.
Every tree is a wondrous gift from Hashem, performing countless miraculous processes. Simply pausing to observe a tree and reflect on its beauty can deepen our emunah.
Every Tree Is a Book of Faith
Once, a man asked Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe which sefer (Torah book) he recommended to strengthen faith in God. Rabbi Wolbe replied, “Every tree you see is an emunah sefer (book of faith in God). Do the branches sprout by themselves?”
Our Sages explain that this mitzvah (Torah commandment) applies beyond fruit trees—it reflects a broader principle: we are not to destroy or waste anything without purpose. This mitzvah is referred to as Bal Tashchit (lit. Do not destroy). Chazal (our Sages) teach (Shabbat 77b) that everything Hashem created serves a purpose; nothing exists in vain. Even the smallest insect or thinnest blade of grass was created for a reason. Every detail in Hashem’s world testifies to His greatness and His constant involvement in our lives. This idea is echoed in the verse, “The world is full of Your possessions (kinyanécha)” (Tehillim 104:24).
The word kinyan is usually translated as “possession,” but it literally means “acquisition.” David HaMelech is teaching that each creation is a means to acquire greater knowledge of Hashem! (Rabbi Simchah Bunim of Peshischah)
Torah Leaders and the Wonders of Creation
Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz writes: “The entire Creation calls out in the Name of Hashem… each tree, each blade of grass declares and publicizes the greatness of the King of Kings.” (Daat Chachmah U’Mussar vol. 2 p.83)
It’s no wonder, then, that the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 529) writes that tzaddikim (righteous people) are so careful about this mitzvah that they avoid wasting even something as small as a mustard seed. Everything in the world reflects Hashem’s wisdom. Contemplating His creations is actually the foundation for the mitzvah of loving Hashem.
As the Rambam (Maimonides) writes: “When a person contemplates Hashem’s handiwork and His wondrous creations, he will behold wisdom without end. This will lead him to love Hashem and praise Him, and to long to know Him.” (Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) Rav Shach noted that this teaching is so fundamental, it’s worth reviewing every day.
Great Torah leaders lived with this awareness constantly. Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, Rosh Yeshivah of Telshe, had a deep appreciation for the beauty of Hashem’s world. He would often pick up a striking leaf and place it inside his Gemara as a bookmark—so that before learning, he would take a moment to marvel at the intricacies of Creation. Once a year, he would visit an orchard with his family that contained over a hundred species of apples and many other fruits. He would speak about these visits in his talks, using them as examples of Hashem’s genius in nature. Even in his later years, when it became difficult for him to walk, his wife would drive him through beautiful landscapes so he could continue to reflect on Hashem’s wonders.
Bal Tashchit: Respecting Creation and Respecting People
This mitzvah doesn’t only shape our relationship with Hashem (bein adam laMakom); it also impacts our relationships with others (bein adam lechavero). As the Sefer HaChinuch writes, being careful not to waste Hashem’s blessings trains us to appreciate goodness in all its forms.
When we learn to value even the smallest gift in nature, we also learn to value every person. Every Jew is infinitely precious, created in the image of Hashem. By developing a mindset of appreciation—seeing the good in everything and everyone—we cultivate the very foundation of a Torah life.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
