Israel Like the Apple Tree at the Giving of the Torah

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 12:10

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons" (Song of Songs 2:3). Rabbi Huna, Rabbi Acha in the name of Rabbi Yose ben Zimra: just as with this apple tree everyone flees from it because it gives no shade, so all the nations of the world fled from before the Holy One, blessed be He, on the day of the giving of the Torah. Might one think Israel did so as well? Scripture teaches, "In its shade I delighted and sat" (Song of Songs 2:3). Rabbi Achva bar Ze'ira said: just as this apple tree puts forth its blossom before its leaves, so Israel put doing before hearing at Sinai. Rabbi Azaryah said: just as this apple tree completes its fruit only in Sivan, so Israel gave forth a good fragrance in the world only in Sivan. When? "In the third month" (Exodus 19:1).

Themes

IsraelTorahSinai

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