TU BISHVAT FEATURE: How the Kosov Rebbe Zt"l Sold a Tree to Protect His Neighbors

By Y.M. Lowy

In honor of Tu B’Shvat, we’re marking the day with some fruit tree focused features.

Sometimes even a tree can teach a lesson in kindness. Two years ago in Boro Park, neighbors noticed a little sign posted on a tree in front of the Kosov Rebbe’s zt”l private yard.

It turned out to be a legal contract from a non-Jewish tree-care company, carefully outlining that all fruit from the trees on that property, including smaller branches, was being sold for a nominal fee.

Why? The Kasov Rebbe zt”l had noticed a potential danger: fruit from the tree occasionally fell onto the sidewalk, and someone could slip. Rather than take the risk of leaving the tree in place, the Rebbe arranged for the tree to be sold to a non-Jew. That way, the buyer willingly removed the tree, keeping the sidewalk safe, while ensuring everything was done properly according to Halacha.

It’s a small story, but it captures the care and thoughtfulness that guided the Rebbe’s every day.

This article was featured in “Shrift” magazine, one of the four content-filled booklets included in the weekly Mega Dee Voch Package.