It says in the Gemorah Taanis (23a) “One day, he (Honi Hamagal) was walking along the road when he saw a certain man planting a carob tree. Ḥoni said to him: This tree, after how many years will it bear fruit? The man said to him: It will not produce fruit until seventy years have passed. Ḥoni said to him: Is it obvious to you that you will live seventy years, that you expect to benefit from this tree? He said to him: That man himself found a world full of carob trees. Just as my ancestors planted for me, I too am planting for my descendants.”
When it comes to parenting we may often think to ourselves ‘what is the point of putting in effort now if the effect will only take place many years later’. The Talmud is teaching us an important lesson for life, “Just as my ancestors planted for me, I too am planting for my descendants”. It is our responsibility as parents and educators to sow the seeds for the benefit of the next generation even if we don’t see the results.
Tu B’Shvat is the perfect time to renew our efforts in educating the next generation. May we merit to plant the seeds of chinuch for the future of Am Yisroel!
