תּוֹרָה פז

One must guard greatly not to eat fruit before it has fully ripened on the tree. For one can lose one's soul through this. Also it is forbidden to pick fruit before it ripens — just as it is forbidden to cut down a tree before its time. When one blesses the blessing over the fruit with great devotion and fear of Heaven as is proper — through this one merits to be saved — not to lose one's soul through unripened fruit. And one must be very careful about the blessings of enjoyment [birchas ha-n'henin] — especially the blessings over fruits. For there are many lost sparks [avados] in them that need to be clarified and elevated. There are those who lose sparks through desires — in the aspect of: ""the desire of the wicked shall perish"" [Psalms 112:10]. And even one who is a Tzadik loses sometimes — in the aspect of: ""there is a Tzadik who perishes in his righteousness"" [Koheles 7:15]. And even the Tzadikim who dig and seek after lost sparks — also lose sometimes — in the aspect of: ""they shall dig and perish"" [Psalms 83:18]. And know that there is an angel — and under him are many subordinates — and all of them hold shofars in their hands. And they constantly dig and seek after lost sparks. And they blow "t'kiyah — t'ru'ah — t'kiyah". And when they find some lost spark — great tumult and great joy is made.