Torah
and the Tree of Life: "Great is Torah, for it gives
life to its doers in this world and in the next
world, as it is written: 'For they [the teachings of
the Torah] give life to those who find them and
healing to all flesh' (Proverbs 4:22). It also says:
'Healing will it be for your flesh and marrow for
your bones' (ibid., 3:8). It also says: 'It is a
tree of life to those who take hold of it, and those
who support it are fortunate' (3:18). And it says:
'They are a graceful garland for your head and
necklaces for your throat' (1:9). And it says: 'It
will give your head a graceful garland; it will
provide you a crown of glory' (4:9). And it says:
'For in me [the Torah] will you lengthen days, and
years of life will be added to you' (9:11). And it
says: 'Length of days in its right hand; in its left
are wealth and honor' (3:16). And it is written:
'For length of days, years of life, and peace will
they [the Torah's teachings] increase for you'
(3:2)."
