Written by Rabbi Krebs, College Rabbi

In the spirit of Tu Bishvat, which falls this Thursday, let’s share a thought deeply rooted in nature.

Pirkei Avot teaches:

“Anyone whose wisdom exceeds their good deeds is like a tree with abundant branches but shallow roots—when strong winds blow, it is easily uprooted. But one whose good deeds surpass their wisdom is like a tree with deep roots, even if its branches are sparse—no storm can topple it.” (3:17)

We often live with a disconnect between our wisdom and our actions. Our wisdom is expressed through debates, opinions, and declarations of political and philosophical certainty—ideas we readily share from our soapboxes.

Yet, true character is revealed in private: through the deeds we perform when no one is watching, when there is no applause or recognition.

Wisdom alone can be fragile. If not internalised and practised with humility, it becomes brittle under life’s inevitable pressures. When challenges arise, those who rely solely on intellectual clarity may find themselves shaken, their certainty crumbling.

But when we live by our values—when our actions speak louder than our words, when we embody our principles without seeking validation—we become unshakable. Challenges may test us, but they cannot uproot us.

As parents, we often believe that guiding our children means providing the right answers. Yet, more than our words, it is our example—the way we live our values—that gives them the strongest foundation for their own journey.