Trees: The Real Meaning of a Shavuos Minhag

5tjt translated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Rav Moshe Wolfson is the Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshivas Torah V’Daas, and Rebbe of Congregation Emunas Yisroel in Boro Park. He is also the author of a three volume work on the Parshios of Chumash and the Moadim entitled “Emunas Itecha.”  The translation and annotation is provided as a public service in honor of the impending Yom Tov.

The Mogain Avrohom (Orech Chaim 494) cites a custom to bring trees into our homes and synagogues on the holiday of Shavuos.  He writes that he believes the reason for this custom is because on this holiday we are judged on the fruits of trees.  This is done so that we will pray for the trees [to have a plentiful bounty].

Rav Moshe Wolfson Shlita explains: It is clear that the type of trees that we bring into our homes and shuls must perforce be barren, non-fruit-bearing trees. Why is this true?  If it was otherwise, it would be a halachic impossibility, as there is a Torah prohibition of cutting down fruit trees - Bal Tashchis  (See Dvarim 20:19 and tractate Bava Kamma 91a). .[....]