At my last visit to the 9/11 memorial, I gained a new understanding of a very common Jewish idea: the tree of life.
I was in New York leading the Temple of Aaron 10th grade confirmation students on their trip exploring their Jewish identity and connection to the American immigration experience. During a stop at the 9/11 memorial, we had the opportunity to reflect on how we honor the dead and treat sacred ground, both as Americans and as Jews.
While at the memorial, I spent some time at the “Survivor Tree.” This is the single tree in the World Trade Center that survived the events of September 11, 2001. Since that day it has been replanted in a protected space of honor near the waterfalls.
The image of trees is powerful in Judaism. Most notably, we liken Torah—the record and prescription for connecting with the Divine—to a tree. We read in proverbs 3:18, and repeat often in prayer: “It is a tree of life to them that hold fast to it, and all of its supporters are happy.” This image of Torah is life sustaining, nurturing and fundamental to our spiritual ecosystem.
When you see the “Survivor Tree” itself, there is nothing to distinguish it from any of the other trees around it. Just looking, its story is not apparent. Even upon closer examination, the trauma that the tree endured does not show (as it is covered by fresh bark). Only by taking the time, and knowing what you are looking for, will you be able to understand it fully. Only with the context of the events of September 11th does the full story have meaning.
The same is true of most people we encounter each day.
Their stories are hidden from us, and the miracles of their lives we too often take for granted. Each of us must daily take the time to go beyond the surface of our relationships, and connect to the deeper stories of one another’s lives.