THE SONG OF THE DATE PALM
The date palm sings of how Hashem’s nation towers spiritually since they love only Him.
[Song 26] Date Palm (Ch. 3)
תָּמָר אוֹמֵר. צַדִּיק כַּתָּמָר יִפְ רָח כְּאֶרֶז בַּלְּבָנוֹן יִשְׂגֶּה: (תהילים צב יג)
The Palm is saying, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree; they grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”
Commentary
The date-palm is a symbol of the Jewish people. It has only one heart in its center,
and it therefore growsin only one direction: heavenwards. So too, the Jewish nation
have only one heart for their Father in heaven.1 Other trees, however, have multiple
hearts and grow in all directions. The single-minded devotion of the date-palm
empowers it to tower over other trees. So too, the righteous rise proudly and produce date-like nutritious fruits full of sweetness. We cannot guarantee that we will succeed on any particular task in life, but we
have to ensure that we are at least headed in the right direction, and – eventually –
we will assuredly reach the top. We have but to follow our souls heavenward, rising
with song.
LIVING WITH THE SONG
Man cannot guarantee that he will succeed on any particular task in life, but he has to constantly ensure that he is
headed in the right direction and he will assuredly eventually reach his destination. One who is attached to Hashem is
blessed with strength to serve Him more. He will grow constantly. The sky is the limit.
We have to define ourselves clearly so that we are not distracted by other agendas that although may seem attractive
actually take away from the effectiveness of the pull heavenward.
Focus on what is important in life. It is worth efforts and sacrifices in order to do a Mitzvah. It is worthwhile to hold
back a harmful word and give up a good quip. When heading for Heaven all else should seem like “dirt”.
Follow your soul heavenward. Rise with song.
Inspirational commentary By Shmuel Ben-Tzion Kraines author of
The Song of Existence.