The Almond Tree in Tanach: Symbol of Destruction and Redemption
BY RIVKA KAHAN
The almond tree, which blooms in the winter months, is closely associated with the holiday of Tu BiShvat. In Tanach, the almond tree is not just a feature of Israeli agriculture but a multifaceted symbol of elements of the relationship between man and G-d. I would like to explore three narratives in Tanach in which the almond tree appears, in order to understand the meaning of this iconic image of Tu BiShvat.
The fruit of the almond tree makes its first appearance in Parashat Mikeitz, as one of the products of Eretz Yisrael that Ya’akov commands his sons to bring as a gift to the irascible Egyptian officer who is, of course, Yosef in disguise. Ya’akov instructs his sons to bring “mizimrat ha-aretz,” which refers, in the poetic words of Bereishit Rabbah, to crops that cause people to sing in joy. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch explains that, unlike the seven species that usually represent the natural glory of the land, the products that Ya’akov sent do not spoil and were thus preserved from previous years, before the famine decimated the crops. In this narrative, almonds symbolize the blessings and bounty of Eretz Yisrael even during the most difficult times.
A contrasting symbolism emerges from the haunting, initial prophecy of Yirmiyahu, in which the prophet is shown a vision of an almond branch as an image of impending national destruction. Hashem’s ominous words – “I watch over My word to perform it” – make a punning play on the similarity between the word shaked (almond) and shoked (watch over). In the words of Kohelet Rabbah 12:7, the rapid, 21-day process of the almond’s blossoming and ripening represents the three-week nightmare of the destruction of Jerusalem.
The passages from Bereishit and Yirmiyahu represent two opposing connotations of the almond tree’s unique qualities. Whereas in Bereishit, the almond tree represents Hashem’s blessings in Eretz Yisrael even during a crisis, in Yirmiyahu the almond tree’s unusual pattern of growth is associated not with divine mercy but with harsh, unremitting punishment.
Let us now turn to the story of Aharon’s flowering staff in Parashat Korach, where both elements of the almond tree’s dual symbolism emerge. In the wake of Korach’s rebellion, Hashem commands each tribe to place a staff in the ohel mo’ed, and causes only Aharon’s staff to flower with almond blossoms. This miracle demonstrates that Aharon and his tribe have been chosen for divine service, putting to rest Korach’s complaint.
There are hints of both the punitive and uplifting symbolism of the almond tree in the miracle of the staffs. Many Midrashim and commentators draw a connection between the almonds of Aharon’s staff and the prophecy of Yirmiyahu, suggesting that Hashem intends to convey that He will quickly punish anyone who, like Korach, challenges the kehunah. However, this miracle also contains a redemptive, hopeful symbolism. Kli Yakar suggests that the rapidity of the almond tree’s cycle symbolizes the quality of joyful enthusiasm. He draws a connection between Aharon’s flowering staff and Aharon’s immediate, genuine happiness when he was reunited with his brother Moshe at the beginning of his story. Unlike the previous older brothers of the Torah, Aharon celebrated his younger brother’s greatness. It was the humble goodness manifest in this sincere embrace that made Aharon fit to be Kohen Gadol.
In fact, the miracle of Aharon’s staff is perhaps the most redemptive of all the miracles in Tanach. While previous miracles, such as the ten plagues and the splitting of the sea, are of cosmic import, they are followed shortly afterward by complaint and rebellion. By contrast, the miracle of the staffs draws Korach’s rebellion to a close and marks this revolt as the people’s last major rejection of G-d and Moshe. Perhaps the reason for the uniquely transformative power of this miracle is that Aharon’s staff becomes a fixture in the Mishkan, thus transforming the miraculous flowering of the almond branch from a dramatic flash in the pan to an eternal symbol from which the nation continues to learn.
It is significant that both narratives in which almond trees appear as a positive symbol are ultimately stories of reconciliation between brothers. The story of Yosef and his brothers culminates with their reunion, and the rebellion of Korach draws to a close with national reconciliation that draws upon the model of the relationship between Moshe and Aharon. As we have learned so powerfully over the past two incredibly difficult years for Am Yisrael, our redemption and strength are rooted in our unity. May we be inspired to approach each other with the enthusiastic, wholehearted embrace of Aharon HaKohen, and to build relationships that do not fade like the almond tree, but remain strong and eternal like the miraculous flowering staff.
Rivka Kahan teaches at Mizrachi Lapidot and Midreshet Tehillah, and develops scholarly and educational resources for AlHaTorah.org. Her upcoming book, Emotional Landscapes in Tanach, explores Biblical perspectives on psychological experience and is being published by Koren. She has taught at many midrashot and adult education programs, and worked for 20 years in high school education in the United States.