In the spring of 1950, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook published an article entitled, “The Beauty of the Tree.” The article addresses the divide that is sometimes erected between one’s inner spiritual life and the outer world, especially the universe and its natural beauty.
The Sages taught that we should appreciate the spectacular renewal of life in springtime. One who sees fruit trees blossoming in the month of Nissan is instructed to recite Birkat Ha-Ilanot, the blessing of the trees:
“Blessed are You... Ruler of the universe, who did not leave anything lacking in His world, and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give pleasure to people.”
And yet — we find in Pirkei Avot what appears to be the exact opposite view:
“Rabbi Jacob taught: One who is reviewing his [Torah] studies while walking along the way and interrupts his study to exclaim, ‘How splendid this tree is!’ ‘How fair this field is!’ Scripture considers it as if he has forfeited his soul.” (Avot 3:9)
Why was Rabbi Jacob so opposed to appreciating the beauty of nature?
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