I was delighted to see friends from all around Metro Atlanta at the Tu B’Shevat tree planting in Wade Walker Park on Sunday, and honored to offer a teaching and kavanah, intention, before we began our work. While there isn’t a blessing to recite upon planting a tree, I shared Rebbe Nachman’s prayer (below).
The weather was perfect and, with the help of experts and veteran volunteers from Trees Atlanta and JCAN-GA, we planted more than 70 Persimmon trees and Willow Oaks in less than 3 hours. Although I wasn’t able to wield a shovel—my right hand is still sporting a splint to protect my CMC joint—I slipped a work glove on my left hand and assisted some of our youngest volunteers in untangling roots, spreading soil.
May these saplings grow tall and spread their canopy of leaves over us. May God bless the work of our hands.
A World of Responsibility
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
Architect of the world,
Author of her story,
grant me the courage
to participate
in the world’s design,
to join in the unfolding of her story.
How I want
to share
in the responsibility
of this world—
to pray for her welfare,
to care for her needs,
to safeguard her treasures,
to work for her rectification.
from The Gentle Weapon: Prayers for Everyday and Not-So-Everyday Moments