Tree of Life FAQs
What does Tree of Life mean?
In Judaism, the Tree of Life, or Etz Chaim is an expression is found in the book of Proverbs and is literally thought of as the Torah itself. There are also lots of allusions to the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden.
Where is the Tree of Life located?
According to the bible the tree of life was located in the center of the Garden of Eden. It is placed along side the Tree of knowledge of good and evil. Some say the tree of life can be found in the Arabian Peninsula in modern day Bahrain
Is the Tree of Life a Kabbalistic symbol?
Kabbalists believe the tree of life to be a diagrammatic representation of the process by which the universe came into being. The symbolic configuration is made of 10 spiritual principles. The Kabbalistic symbol varies from a traditional looking tree.
What is the symbol of the tree of life?
The tree of life is symbolic of God’s holy presence. It can be found on the menorah, on the tabernacle and on King Solomon’s temple. The imagery of trees is very commonly interwoven into Jewish life. There are many metaphors and parables involving the tree.
Is the tree of life mentioned in synagogue?
“Etz chaim” is often heard in synagogue. The most famous saying comes from Proverbs 3:18. Etz chaim hee l’machazikim bah (“She is a tree of life to those who grasp her”). It is recited when the Torah is returned to the Ark after reading the Torah. (in Ashkenazi customs).