Two forces struggle with each other in our world - the power of construction and the power of destruction.
We know this struggle from the time we are young children - one builds a tower of blocks and the other destroys it. As people grow older, they learn to build things of greater significance, but their destructive power also increases to the same extent.
How much effort and money went into building the Twin Towers in Manhattan, and they collapsed in a single coordinated attack. How much sweat and tears went into building the settlements in the Gaza Strip. In just a week, everything was destroyed and nothing was left.
How good triumphs
At first glance, the power of destruction seems much stronger than the power of construction. It is possible to destroy in an instant with the labor of generations. But if so, why hasn't our world become a desolate desert? How is it that the power of construction is actually the one that is gaining? The power of destruction wins at one point or another, but in the overall balance, there is no doubt that the power of construction wins.
This is what the Sages said, "A good measure is greater than a calamity." Goodness has a power many times greater than evil. We should not be deceived by the ability to destroy and annihilate, because ultimately the power of building is infinitely greater.
The secret of goodness and the power of building lies in the ability to add layer upon layer, to add action to action.
Evil and destruction are a one-time outburst, which can be of immense power, but it is spotty and does not join one another. In contrast, good connects with good, brick joins brick, and thus a mighty force is created, capable of overcoming even the destructive power of evil.
A whole forest
Goodness is like a seed sown in the ground. It looks like a small grain, but it grows and rises and becomes a huge tree. Each such tree bears fruit that contains additional seeds, which grow more and more trees. One small seed can grow an entire forest. This is the power of goodness.
Sometimes it seems to us that only great revolutions can change reality. Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of Trees, draws our attention to the power of growth that exists within us. One good deed, one kind word, even one positive thought – they have tremendous power. If each and every one of us increases the power of goodness and adds a good deed, another mitzvah, another moment of Torah, another prayer – this goodness will join together and become a tremendous force.
Thus, Maimonides teaches us that every person should see himself and the entire world as if they were placed on a scale, and the scales are equal. Now everything determines fate. One good deed - tips the scales in a positive direction and brings salvation and salvation to man and the entire world. If we all increase in goodness, light, and holiness - surely the entire world will tip the scales in favor of righteousness and true and complete redemption will come.
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