TREES OF SIGNIFICANCE

Every culture has trees and plants of elevated status, plants that have been particularly useful or inspiring to humans and other species. The trees with the inclusion of the Grape, are all mentioned in either The Song of Songs; the Hebrew Bible; or the Midrash. It is believed that before becoming what may have been the first monotheistic people, we who are now Jews, worshiped trees. 

Beginning in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, was there an Apple Tree? If the Garden of Eden was in the mountains of eastern Kazakhstan, then perhaps there was an apple tree, because that’s where the origin of wild apples has been traced. 

‘In the center, is the Tree of Life, its branches covering the whole of Gan Eden, containing five hundred varieties of fruit all differing in appearance and taste. Above it are the clouds of glory, and it is smitten by the four winds so that its odour is wafted from one end of the world to the other. From the 13th century Rabbinic text Yalkut Shimeoni’, (As quoted in Abraham’s Cohen’s 1995 book Everyman’s Torah.) 

Trees are in our earliest memories and give us a sense of place. Here in our diaspora in California, we have redwoods and oaks, palms and coastal cedars. As the largest living things on the planet it’s no wonder that we are in awe of their strength, their longevity, their ability to give us oxygen, fruit, shelter, in addition to their beauty.

“If you have a sapling in your hand, and someone should say to you that the Messiah has come, stay and complete the planting, and then go to greet the Messiah.”–Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai (Avot de Rabbi Nathan, 31b) Quote from Today’s Rabbi….. For You a Little Wisdom.

We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees. —CHIEF EDWARD MOODY (QWATSINAS), NUXALK NATION.

This floating silk forest of trees was inspired by the art island; Naoshima, Japan; a painting by Korean Japanese artist, Le Ufan, whom I learned about while visiting there, and the magic L’heure Bleu, which never ceases to transport my imagination. I would be very honored to receive your comments, and questions about my work.