Paul compares the Jews to branches on an olive tree. The root of the tree is holy (set apart for God's purposes), which makes the branches holy also. The root is God's coventental promise to Abraham, who is the "firstfruit" of verse 16.
Some of the branches were broken off because of unbelief and wild olive branches (Gentiles) were grafted into the tree to "provoke them (the Jews) to jealosy" and to spur them on to re-connect to the tree. The wild branches were able to partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree just as the original branches were.
Disbelief is what causes branches to fall off the tree and out of fellowship with God. Those who turn from their disbelief can be grafted back into the tree.
God is severe to those that fall, but good to those who persever in faith.
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