Musings Under the Fig Tree

Since ancient times the fig tree has been prized for its succulent and nutritious fruit. But that’s not all! Certain species of the tree grow to great size, providing lovely shade beneath their outstretched leafy arms. They also produce surface roots, which in time—a long time—grow large enough to create raised “benches” for informal seating. In dry, temperate climates (like the Middle East) these trees grow prodigiously and their lovely combination of shade and seating creates cool, comfortable places for people to sit, relax and chat.

First century talmidim (disciples) of the Talmud, the Jewish Book of Oral Law, went a step further. They received lessons from their Rabbi in these outdoor classrooms. In fact, “under the fig tree” became a colloquialism for anyone who sat beneath the shade of a Rabbi’s instruction to feast upon the sweet fruit of his teachings--whether it took place under an actual fig tree or not. In time, the phrase became a metaphor for any place of study, prayer and contemplative conversation.

This blog’s purpose is to create just such a cool, comfortable place where we can sit, relax and chat. Hopefully, it will be a place of refreshment, inspiration and maybe even transformation for all who come here.

TODAY.
LET'S GIVE THE WORLD & OURSELVES A GIFT.
LET'S TAKE TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW WE THINK.