It’s a fascinating idea, explored in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a text filled with beautiful stories and interpretations.
Rabbi Ẓe'era makes a profound statement: there are five kinds of 'Orlah in the world. Four relate to us as human beings, and one relates to trees. What does that even mean? Let's unpack it.
The four kinds of 'Orlah pertaining to humanity? They are, according to Rabbi Ẓe'era, the uncircumcision of the ear, the lips, the heart, and the flesh.
The uncircumcision of the ear? Jeremiah 6:10 gives us a clue: "Behold, their ear is uncircumcised." It suggests an inability or unwillingness to truly hear and understand divine messages, to listen with an open heart. Are we truly listening to the world around us, to the still, small voice within?
Then there's the uncircumcision of the lips. Remember Moses in Exodus 6:12? "For I am of uncircumcised lips." This isn’t just about a physical impediment. It speaks to the struggle to articulate truth, to speak with clarity and sincerity, perhaps even a reluctance to engage in prayer or meaningful conversation.
Next, and perhaps most importantly, the uncircumcision of the heart. Deuteronomy 10:16 urges us to "Circumcise the foreskin of your heart." Jeremiah 9:26 adds, "For all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart." This goes right to the core. It's about a heart that's closed off, hardened, resistant to love, compassion, and spiritual growth. It’s a barrier to genuine connection.
And finally, the uncircumcision of the flesh, as mentioned in Genesis 17:14. This is the physical brit milah, the covenant of circumcision.
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer emphasizes that the uncircumcision of the heart prevents us from doing the will of our Creator. It's a powerful statement about the connection between our inner state and our actions in the world. But here's the hopeful part: the text assures us that in the future, the Holy One, blessed be He, will take away from Israel the uncircumcision of the heart. We will no longer harden our hearts against our Creator.
As Ezekiel 36:26 promises, "And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." Imagine that – a heart that's open, receptive, and full of life!
Now, what about that fifth 'Orlah, the one concerning trees? Leviticus 19:23 tells us, "And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as their uncircumcision: three years shall they be as uncircumcised unto you." For the first three years after planting a tree, its fruit is considered 'Orlah and is forbidden to be eaten. It’s a period of allowing the tree to establish itself, to grow strong roots before we partake of its bounty.
So, what's the connection between uncircumcised fruit and an uncircumcised heart? Perhaps it's about patience, about allowing things to mature and develop in their own time. Maybe it’s about recognizing that true sweetness comes from a process of growth and refinement. Just as a tree needs time to bear fruit, so too does our heart need time to soften and open.
This idea of 'Orlah, in all its forms, invites us to examine ourselves. Where are we holding back? Where are we not truly listening, speaking, or feeling? Where is our heart hardened? And how can we, like a newly planted tree, allow ourselves the time and space to grow, to heal, and to finally bear the sweet fruit of a life lived with an open heart?