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This stunning piece by, Ellen Miller Braun, combines the Book of Ruth with two very moving prayers: Eitz Chaim Hee - It is a Tree of Life and the Blessing of the Daughters given by some parents on Friday night, combined with the Blessing of the Eve of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These blessings are a beautiful gift to share with every woman, whatever her age. May you be so Blessed. Every woman is like a unique flower, having a distinctive color and individual scent. Together, all the flowers create one beautiful bouquet blossoming from the Tree of Life. A young girl - turning twelve - is a fresh bloom joining the garden bouquet of womanhood. According to Jewish tradition, twelve is when a girl reaches the age of accountability for the Torah and HaShem's Mitzvot (commandments). She begins her journey as a young woman. She begins walking the path of continuity, linking her and her family's past with that of her present and future and to all of Am Yisrael (the Jewish People).
The inspiring story of Ruth [written in it's entirety- filling the flowers and leaves of this Tree of Life and the grass surrounding the roots] is a guiding light for every woman at every age. Ruth demonstrates for all of us the true meaning of faith, commitment, and love of HaShem's commandments between man and his fellow man and between man and G-d. Ruth's righteous life shows us how a proper Torah life can bring redemption to all of HaShem's People. Eitz Chaim Hee - It is a Tree of Life (Prov. 4:2; 3:18; 3:17; Lamentations 5:21) "It is a Tree of Life for those who cling to it." This is written in the trunk and roots of the tree. A Tree of Life starts with it's roots digging deep and hugging the earth, then bursting forth from the ground, reaching for the Heavens. Such is the Torah and it's Mitzvot (commandments). There are the Mitzvot between man and his fellow man, teaching us to love and cling to our fellow man as the tree roots cling to the earth. Then, there are the commandments that direct us to reach Heavenward to HaShem. We are to stretch ourselves to give our utmost to our fellow man and to HaShem above. The Torah is HaShem's most precious gift. It is a two-way gift: the more you give to It and to HaShem, the more you receive from Him. "Do not forsake HaShem's Torah. It is a Tree of Life for those who grasp it and happy are those who support it." Blessing of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah (Numbers 6:24-26; Proverbs 4:25; Psalms 49:4 (part); Isaiah 33;18 (part); Proverbs 5:18) So blessed in the spirit of Torah and Mitzvot were the Matriarchs. The Blessing of the Daughters, invoking the names of Sarah, Rivka (Rebecca), Rachel, Leah, blesses every girl/woman with heavenly assistance to rise to her own potential and greatness. The continuing Blessing is the instrument through which HaShem allows his infinite Blessing to rest on Israel. The Prayer continues with the Blessing that you be raised to merit Torah, marriage, and good deeds, that you live a long life dedicated to the service of HaShem and His Torah. May you merit both spiritual and material wealth and comfort according to HaShem's abundant compassion and kindness. This beautiful Blessing gracefully encircles this entire piece in a leafy green, tying the entire piece together as one. May the love of family and HaShem's Torah envelop you always. May you be privileged to emulate Ruth's spiritual beauty and forever feel yourself glowing under the canopy of these inspiring Blessings. May HaShem and the Torah always be your strength.
Blessing of the Daughters (*!)Numbers6:24-26 (*2)Proverbs4:25 (*3)Psalms49:4(part) (*4) Isaiah33:18 (*5) Proverbs 5:18 May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. May HaShem bless you and safeguard you. May HaShem illuminate his countenance for you and be gracious to you. May HaShem turn His countenance to you and establish peace for you(*1). May it be the will of our Father in Heaven, that He instill in you heart His love and reverence. May the fear of HaShem be upon your face all your days, in order that you not sin. May your craving be for the Torah and the commandments. May your eyes gaze toward truth(*2); may your mouth speak wisdom(*3); may your heart meditate with awe(*4); may your hands engage in the commandments; may your feet run to do the will of your Father in heaven. May He grant you righteous sons and daughters who engage in the Torah and the commandments all their days. May the source of your posterity be blessed(*5). May He arrange your livelihood for you in a permissible way, with contentment and with relief, from beneath His generous hand, and not through the gifts of flesh and blood; a livelihood that will free you to serve HaShem. And my you be inscribed and sealed for a good, long life, among all the righteous of Israel. Amen It is a Tree of Life:(*1) Proverbs 3:18 (*2)Proverbs3:17(*3)Proverbs3:16 (*4) Isaiah 42:21 (*5) Lamentations5:21 And when it [the Ark] rested he would say: It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and happy are it's supporters(*1). Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace(*2). Long life is at its right; at its left are wealth and honor(*3). HaShem desired, for the sake of His righteousness, that the Torah be made great and glorious(*4). Bring us back to You, HaShem, and we shall return, renew our days as of old(*5). TO PERSONALIZE THIS GIFT - click here
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