The Tree

by Yonadav Haim Hirshfeld, Hy"d

In Jerusalem grows a special tree, none quite like it as far as I can see

Its fragrance is sweet and its fruit a delight to the eyes

The tree loves its leaves and the leaves love the tree

To the leaves, the tree is home, to the tree, the leaves are life

Four years long the leaves adorn the tree

Then comes the moment when they must arise and go

In Jerusalem grows a special tree, none quite like it as far as I can see

Its fragrance is sweet and it's fruit a delight to the eyes

And so at the end of every year the appointed time arrives

The tree dries its tears and takes leave of its friends

New leaves come to take their place

New leaves, so tender and sweet

The older leaves welcome them

With a big hug and a light in their eyes

In Jerusalem grows a special tree, none quite like it as far as I can see

Its fragrance is sweet and its fruit a delight to the eyes

If you see that tree, dear friends of mine,

You might ask it why

The leaves take leave just at the height of blossom time?

(translated from the Hebrew by Esther Cameron)

"The Tree" is available arranged musically on the disk "Noam HaNeshamot" in the Yashlatz Shop