For he shall be like a tamarisk in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.
JEREMIAH (17:6)
וְהָיָה כְּעַרְעָר בָּעֲרָבָה וְלֹא יִרְאֶה כִּי-יָבוֹא טוֹב וְשָׁכַן חֲרֵרִים בַּמִּדְבָּר אֶרֶץ מְלֵחָה וְלֹא תֵשֵׁב
ירמיהו יז:ו
v'-ha-ya k'-ar-ar ba-a-ra-va v'-lo yir-e kee ya-vo tov v'-sha-khan kha-ray-reem ba-mid-bar e-retz m'-lay-kha v'-lo tay-shayv
Today's Israel Inspiration
To illustrate the difference between trusting in God and trusting in man, Jeremiah paints a strong contrast between two vivid images. One who relies on man is compared to a small shrub in the barren and rocky desert called the tamarisk. The Hebrew name for this plant is 'arar' (עַרְעָר), similar to the Hebrew word for childless 'areeree' (עֲרִירִי), invoking feelings of lifelessness and emptiness. Someone who relies on the Lord, however, is likened to a majestic tree with deep roots beside the ever-flowing river, growing tall and whose branches provide shelter from the heat. Israel has two choices: they could trust in God and remain secure in their Land, flourishing like the tree by the river; or cut themselves off from the Divine presence and choose to be exiled to the wilderness of the tamarisk. Now more than ever we must be stalwart in our faith in the Almighty to protect the Land of Israel and to help her flourish. Show your faith and be part of Israel's blossoming by planting a tree today.
JEREMIAH (17:6)
וְהָיָה כְּעַרְעָר בָּעֲרָבָה וְלֹא יִרְאֶה כִּי-יָבוֹא טוֹב וְשָׁכַן חֲרֵרִים בַּמִּדְבָּר אֶרֶץ מְלֵחָה וְלֹא תֵשֵׁב
ירמיהו יז:ו
v'-ha-ya k'-ar-ar ba-a-ra-va v'-lo yir-e kee ya-vo tov v'-sha-khan kha-ray-reem ba-mid-bar e-retz m'-lay-kha v'-lo tay-shayv
Today's Israel Inspiration
To illustrate the difference between trusting in God and trusting in man, Jeremiah paints a strong contrast between two vivid images. One who relies on man is compared to a small shrub in the barren and rocky desert called the tamarisk. The Hebrew name for this plant is 'arar' (עַרְעָר), similar to the Hebrew word for childless 'areeree' (עֲרִירִי), invoking feelings of lifelessness and emptiness. Someone who relies on the Lord, however, is likened to a majestic tree with deep roots beside the ever-flowing river, growing tall and whose branches provide shelter from the heat. Israel has two choices: they could trust in God and remain secure in their Land, flourishing like the tree by the river; or cut themselves off from the Divine presence and choose to be exiled to the wilderness of the tamarisk. Now more than ever we must be stalwart in our faith in the Almighty to protect the Land of Israel and to help her flourish. Show your faith and be part of Israel's blossoming by planting a tree today.