What’s the link between Etz Hachaim from Gan Eden and the fact that the Torah itself calls, well, itself, “etz chaim”? Does it maybe have something to do with this thought: although you, Adam, didn’t eat from the tree of life and gain eternal life, I am granting you the gift of Torah to be as an “etz chaim” to you and as a way to “obtain a longer life”
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outorah.org/p/37727 towards the end of the article– ChatzkelSep 19, 2022 at 15:50
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Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak said: Why are Torah matters likened to a tree, as it is stated: “It is a tree of life to them who lay hold upon it” (Proverbs 3:18)? This verse comes to tell you that just as a small piece of wood can ignite a large piece, so too, minor Torah scholars can sharpen great Torah scholars and enable them to advance in their studies. - Taanis 7a– ShmuelSep 19, 2022 at 18:39
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See also Rashi on Avos 6:7: He eats its fruits in this world, and the principle is preserved for him in the world to come. - we study Torah and observe mitzvos (we taste the fruit) and we get rewarded in the life to come.– ShmuelSep 19, 2022 at 18:40
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I also highly recommend reading Kuntres Eitz HaChayim, available fully translated and explained here: chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144473/jewish/…– ShmuelSep 19, 2022 at 23:04
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