‘He passed away because of cutting down a fig tree’: The similarity between people and trees in Jewish symbolism, mysticism and halakhic practice

摘要: Comparing people to trees is a customary and common practice in Jewish tradition. The current article examines the roots development of image as sources, from biblical times recent generations (Bible, classical rabbinical literature, medieval modern rabbinic literature popular culture), related prohibition against destroying fruit trees. similarity between humans religion culture was firstly suggested conceptual-symbolic element. However, since Amoraic period (3rd–5th centuries CE), this transformed resemblance bearing mystical Halakhic (Jewish Law) implications. Various sources describe that may be spoken or yelled at produce fruit. Cutting down tree perceived by rabbis Talmud CE) not only an unethical act vandalism, but also hazard: death corresponds person who resembles it. All societies, cultures religions have system values practices are aimed shaping people, society environment according certain worldview. Contribution: discussion on relationship religion-culture nature (plants) indicates how shaped believers’ attitude world flora over transforming man-tree comparison into one with binding even threatening practical religious meaning.