From the Rabbi:
In Parshat Eikev (Devarim 8:8), we learn that the Land of Israel is a land of the seven species: “A land of wheat and barley, and grapes and figs and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and (date) honey.”
In the incident of Adam and Chava eating from the Tree of Knowledge, the Torah says: “The woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was tempting to the eyes and that the tree was appealing as a means of obtaining wisdom. She took of its fruit and she ate, and she also gave it to her husband and he ate. The eyes of both of them were opened and they realized that they were naked. They sewed together fig leaves, and made for themselves loincloths” (Bereishit 3:6-7).
Why does the Torah tell us that they used fig leaves to make clothing?
According to Rashi, the Torah specifies fig leaves since that is the tree from which they ate. Rashi quotes the Talmud, Sanhedrin 70b: “With that which they sinned they set themselves right.”
If so, why is the name of the tree not specifically revealed? Rashi explains that this is a lesson in sensitivity. God did not want the tree to be shamed by people saying, “This is the one through which the world was stricken.”
If we are not supposed to shame or disparage a tree, then certainly how careful we need to be not to shame a person.
As we creep our way towards the High Holidays, culminating in Yom Kippur, the ultimate goal is "At-One-Ment," attaining unity and a sense of oneness with the Almighty. I've heard -- I believe in the name of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the "Arizal" -- that in order to attain oneness with on High, we need to start with attaining oneness down below. Ensuring the honor of others and that they should never feel ashamed by us is a powerful way to attain this oneness with both our fellow man and with God.
Shabbat Shalom!
Upcoming Classes
NOTE: Wednesday's class is being paused until further notice. Rabbi Bergman will be out of town on Sunday.
Saturday at 7:30 pm - Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
Sunday at 7:00 pm - KOT Beit Midrash
Tuesday at 1:00 pm - Parsha Conversations
Wednesday at 7:30 pm - Teachings of Rabbi Sacks
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