TU BISHVAT FEATURE: A Fruit Tree Stands at the Heart of Skver Shul
By Y.M. Lowy
In honor of Tu B’Shvat, we’re marking the day with some fruit tree focused features.
When the current Skver Shul was being planned, builders encountered two mature fruit trees right on the property. One stood near the Rebbe’s private courtyard, the other directly in the path of the new construction. The Kehilla consulted with the Rebbe, and the building was carefully designed around both trees, leaving enough space, light, and soil for them to thrive according to Halacha.
One fruit tree was left standing in the narrow space, now between the Rebbe’s house and the shul, and the building was constructed right up to it - carefully preserving the tree with the space, light, and soil it needs to thrive.
Another tree is still there inside the shul complex to this day, located in the shamash’s room, a constant reminder that the community chose preservation over convenience.
In the courtyard, a third tree became part of the sukkah setup, until it was carefully shifted to the side, allowing the sukkah to be built while ensuring the tree remained protected and healthy.
And it doesn’t end there. In the yeshiva yard, where the Lag BaOmer hadlakah is held, another tree is also safeguarded each year, even as thousands gather nearby.
In Skver, these trees are more than greenery - they are living symbols of the community’s devotion to Halacha and Mesora .
This article was featured in “Shrift” magazine, one of the four content-filled booklets included in the weekly Mega Dee Voch Package.
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