The Money Tree

the_money_tree

FOUND by Paul Markowicz in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York

I found this note today (Memorial Day, 2012) on the street walking back from a picnic in Prospect Park. It was laying face-up by itself and since I noticed it was a sizable handwritten note, my curiosity was piqued. When I started reading it, I figured it was a breakup note or an angry letter from a parent, but by the end assumed it was a cash gift to a once-spoiled child. The true story is still unclear.

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  • Librarian in the woodwork

    “Tzedekah” is a Hebrew word literally meaning righteousness but commonly used to signify charity. My guess is that the family put together a money tree for the kid’s birthday, but that they’re trying (successfully, one hopes) to teach a lesson about household microeconomics and one’s spiritual relationship to worldly goods. Shalom!

  • Tundra Woman

    Thanks for the clarification, Librarian. I’m a shiksa so that one left me thinking, “WHO is Tzedekah”? I was wondering if it was another Jim Jones type. That’s a sweet note and I do hope, a sweet birthday for Ami as well.
    Librarian, YOU, my dear are a wonderful walking cornucopia of great knowledge and equally great, witty observations. You have confirmed my belief that librarians are under-appreciated resources and challenge the stereotypical commonly held belief of “the mousy librarian.” I hope you wear bright lipstick, a rockin’ wardrobe and enjoy an equally rockin’ life!
    Shalom to you and nice to meet cha!
    Thanks again.
    Tundra Woman

  • Librarian in the woodwork

     Well, shucks, shiksa!  Thank you for the support (can you email the part about being “under-appreciated” to my boss for me? Because most of us are underpaid, too.) I think I have things pretty well together while breaking most of the stereotypes at the same time.

  • Maralee

    I had a money tree one year!  It was only like $20 total, but my parents taped it all in $1 bills to a small ficus.  It was like a fortune!

  • orinocowomble

    We were given a money tree at our wedding. Spent most of it while visiting my parents before moving back to Europe. Not big spenders–just a small tree.
    I am intrigued: “We have so much love for you, Today we’re pretending this isn’t true.” WTH? Pretending you don’t love Ami? Or just passive-agressively reminding her of what a financial burden she is? Either way, not a very happy birthday wish. Money can’t buy her love.