In this video I’m going to discuss my view on how the “Tree of Life” described in Genesis is also the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil”, both being the same tree.
The Genesis story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is one of the most mystical and enlightening narratives in the Torah. Through the lens of Kabbalah, this story reveals deep spiritual truths about the nature of life, wisdom, and the human journey aimed toward ultimate redemption. Central to this story is the mysterious "Tree of Life" and the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil." My careful analysis has led me to suggest that these trees are not two separate trees (or spiritual forces) but rather facets of a singular, profound reality: that is life itself.
In the Genesis narrative, there is really only a Single Tree at the Center of the Garden–that is there is only one singular center point.
In Genesis chapters 2 and 3, the text emphasizes that the Tree of Life stood "in the center of the garden" (Genesis 2:9). However, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is also described as being the tree in the center. As Genesis 3 verse 3 states: “the fruit of the tree that is in the center of the garden, God said, "You shall not eat of it”. From this perspective, this overlap is not accidental. The "center" symbolizes unity and the singular point and source of all spiritual existence. It suggests that there was, in fact, one central tree embodying dual aspects: life and the knowledge of good and bad. In the center of the garden was the singular Tree of life, which is called the “Tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.
Life inherently includes the knowledge of good and bad because to truly live is to engage with discernment, choice, and then growth. The potential to distinguish between good and bad is embedded within the essence of life itself. Thus, the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge are not separate trees, but represent the unity of divine wisdom and moral discernment of right and wrong, which are aspects of life itself, thus it is called the “tree of life”.
So what went wrong? I see Eve's act as being untimely, and a misaligned and selfish pursuit of wisdom.
The serpent, representing the ego and selfish desire, tempts Eve by suggesting that eating from the tree would make her "like God, knowing good and bad" (Genesis 3:5). When Eve looks at the tree, she sees that it is "good for food" and "desirable to make one wise" (Genesis 3:6). Her desire for wisdom—an inherently noble goal—becomes tainted by ego. But Instead of waiting for God’s timing and guidance, Eve acts out of a self-centered desire to possess wisdom on her own terms. This act transforms her relationship with the tree and her environment and ultimately God. Her desire for the tree of life rather than being a source of divine enlightenment, becomes a vessel for egoistic consumption. By taking from the tree prematurely and with an impure intention, she disrupts the harmony between humanity and the divine.
Once Adam and Eve eat from the tree, they gain the knowledge they sought, but it comes with devastating consequences. Their newfound awareness exposes their vulnerability and separateness from God. They are cast out of Eden, and the way to the Tree of Life is barred by a flaming sword and cherubim (Genesis 3:24).
This exile signifies humanity’s separation from direct access to divine wisdom. The state of concealment begins, where God’s presence and the clarity of wisdom are obscured. Humanity is left to wander in a lower world where discerning good from bad is fraught with confusion, struggle, and darkness.
But there is hope, as I believe that it is through the Torah that The Tree of Life gets restored.
The Torah is the remedy for Adam’s, or mankinds, spiritual exile. Proverbs declares, "The Torah is a tree of life to those who grasp it, and those who hold on to it are forever happy" (Proverbs 3:18). The Torah, when grasped with pure intentions, is more than a set of laws or teachings; it is the living manifestation of divine wisdom and the pathway back to the unity and enlightenment symbolized by the Tree of Life in the Paradise and presence of God. But we must partake of this wisdom of Torah with proper intentions.
Through Moses, the redeemer, God provides humanity with the means to reconnect with the wisdom lost in Eden. The Torah teaches not only ethical discernment but also the spiritual practices necessary to align one’s will with God’s will and divine plan for life. It is through studying the Torah and living according to its literal and spiritual principles that humanity can reclaim access to the wisdom of the Tree of Life.
The Kabbalistic Journey, through Torah Study, is focused on Rectifying the Ego–that is slaying the serpent.
Kabbalah emphasizes the importance of transforming selfish, egoistic desires (broken vessels) into repaired vessels fit for receiving divine light, and pure God given wisdom. Eve’s mistake was not in desiring wisdom but in seeking it for selfish reasons, rather than as a means to serve God. The spiritual task of humanity is to rectify this error by approaching life with humility, gratitude, and a desire to align with the divine plan. Adam and Eve both ate of the Tree of life before they had permission to do so and they took from it with selfish desires.
But now, through prayer, Torah study, altruism, and acts of loving-kindness, individuals can overcome the serpent—the ego—that distorts a person's intentions. By doing these, they open themselves up, as repaired vessels with proper intentions, to the concealed light of the Tree of Life, even in a world outside Eden.
The story of Adam and Eve is not merely a tale of sin and punishment but a starting point for humanity’s spiritual journey. The Tree of Life, containing the knowledge of good and bad, represents the fullness of divine wisdom and life’s inherent complexity. Access to this wisdom, through Kabbalah and Torah study, is possible only when approached with pure intentions and alignment with God’s will. God’s will is given to humanity in the Torah.
Through God’s will and instruction, humanity is given the means to return to the Tree of Life, to regain the wisdom and connection that was lost in Eden. The journey may be long, but the promise remains: by transforming our desires and embracing the divine path, we can once again walk with God in the garden, united in wisdom, love, and eternal life.
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