יום ה Date: 14 Teves, 5777 (1/12/17) – Bava Metzia Daf 108 ~ Eliezer Guterman

PINE PEOPLE

[108a top] Rabbah son of R’ Huna came and found his trees cut down (by Rabbah) and he exclaimed, “Whoever cut my trees down should have his own tree branches cut down!” Since this curse was uttered, while Rabbah son of R’ Huna was alive, none of Rabbah (son of Rav Nachman)’s children (his ‘branches’) remained alive.
R’ Rosner: People are compared to trees, [Deut. 20:19] “A person is like the tree of a field…” Both of them grow, plant roots, and produce.
R’ Shraga Simmons: A tree needs the four basic elements in order to survive; earth, water, air, and fire (sun). Human beings also require the same basic elements: EARTHLY Roots (are where values and morals are absorbed, core faith is planted, and a supportive growth environment is provided), RAIN/Torah (both descend from the Heavens and provide essential and vital relief to the thirsty and parched), AIR/Soul (is where G-d breathes life into our bodies and which through the sense of smell benefits our souls not bodies), WARMTH/Friendship (this need is demonstrated through the essential observances and ceremonies of Judaism which are based on family and community — from the celebration of birth, through the attainment of maturity, marriage, education, and even death).

D-E-ep Thoughts: We can always learn so much more about ourselves through the comparisons drawn to us by the Torah. When we study objects and animals around us we can often gain newfound insight as to how to better ourselves.

Today’s P.I.P. (Put Into Practice) TIP: Take time to reflect upon two or three things that we regularly see each day and take for granted. What lessons can we learn from these items and how can we better our character traits based upon what we are able to glean and internalize?