3 min readPlanting a Tree in Israel for a New Baby
Choose In Honor Of or In Celebration Of, write the baby's name and Hebrew name, and add a line such as "Welcome to the world. May you grow tall and strong." The certificate is emailed within minutes, so it can arrive for the bris or baby naming. One tree is $18.
An old tradition
The Talmud (Gittin 57a) records a custom of planting a tree when a child is born: a cedar for a boy, a cypress for a girl. When the child married, branches were cut from it for the wedding canopy. A tree in Israel in a baby's name carries the same idea: something that grows up with them.
When to send it
- At the bris or baby naming, when the Hebrew name is announced.
- On the first birthday.
- Any time. A tree is a welcome change from a fifth onesie.
If the Hebrew name has not been given yet, use the English name alone, or wait for the naming.
What to write
- *Welcome to the world. May you grow tall and strong like this tree.*
- *Mazel tov on the birth of your daughter!*
- *For our first grandchild, with all our love.*
The certificate for a celebration carries the verse *It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it* (Proverbs 3:18). See what the certificate looks like.
From grandparents
Many grandparents plant one tree for each grandchild, so each child has a certificate with their own name. For more ideas, see kosher new baby gifts.
Trees are planted by our planting partner, the Jewish National Fund.
Plant a tree for the baby →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in Israel for a new baby?
Yes. Choose In Honor Of or In Celebration Of, add the baby's name, and the certificate is emailed within minutes. One tree is $18.
Is planting a tree for a baby a Jewish tradition?
Yes. The Talmud (Gittin 57a) records planting a cedar for a boy and a cypress for a girl at birth, with branches later used for their wedding canopy.
What if the baby does not have a Hebrew name yet?
Use the English name alone, or order after the bris or baby naming when the Hebrew name is given.
What should I write on a tree certificate for a baby?
Something short: "Welcome to the world. May you grow tall and strong like this tree."
Reviewed with guidance from Jewish mourning traditions across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform practices.
Sending something to the family?
Kosher shiva gift baskets, plus trees planted in Israel — delivered nationwide with free shipping.
Shop Shiva Gift Baskets →Not sure which to send? Compare shiva gift baskets →