Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, is one of four Rosh HaShana’s, Jewish new years, which occur every year. Translated, Tu B’Shevat means the 15th day of Shevat. This day occurs on the full moon exactly six weeks after the beginning of winter (first of Tevet) and six weeks before the beginning of spring in Nisan.
A New Year for Trees, Birthday for Trees
The 15th of Shevat marks the transition from winter to spring when the earliest blooming trees in Israel begin a new cycle and prepare for the next growth and fruit-bearing cycle.
This day also marks the day in which fruit is considered to belong to the next year’s tithe in the seven year Shemittah cycle. This related to the various tithes that are separated from produce, which varies year to year.
Tu B’Shevat has become a day to not only celebrate the trees but to also remember that “Man is a tree in the field.” (Deuteronomy 20:19). It is a time to reflect on the importance and purpose of trees, as well as the life’s lessons to be learned from them.
Deuteronomy 20:19 – A Person is Like a Tree in the Field
Just as a tree is divided into three parts — roots, trunk including branches and leaves, fruit — so are aspects of a person’s personality. The roots are not seen but are used to support the tree and provide nourishment. The trunk, branches and leaves represent growth and the trees attractiveness. The fruit however, is the purpose of the tree which benefits others and contains the seeds necessary for continued existence.
For man, the root is in faith. Faith is what connects man to G-d* and is the source of nourishment. Study and observance of Torah are the trunk, branches and leaves. Through study of Torah and mitzvos human growth occurs and develops the inner beauty attractive to others. Seeds are planted beginning with his own family. Ultimate fulfillment begins with family, then additional seeds are planted by being involved and helping others.
Kabbalah and Tu B’Shevat
Kabbalah teaches that “no manner of life and growth can come forth below without first receiving it’s spiritual counterpart of nourishment from above.” (Ariel Bar Tzadok, 2000)
While all things are decided for all living things on the 1st of Tishrei, Rosh HaShana, the new year for trees, and plants, are given “their spiritual nourishment” necessary to get ready for spring. After being dormant for the winter months, they need to be spiritually awakened to prepare for growth and production in the spring.
In celebration of the spiritual gift given to the trees, a Seder of fruits and vegetable is arranged. By participating in the Seder, eating the Seder fruits and vegetables and reciting the blessings, the amount of abundance G-d provides to the trees is increased.
The Tu B’Shevat Seder
17th century Kabbalists developed a special Seder for Tu B’Shevat. While many adaptations have occurred throughout the years as the tradition was passed down, “Man is a tree in the field” remains the inspiration for the Seder.
Four cups of wine in varying percentages of mixed red and white wine are drank. This represents the shifting of the four yearly seasons. Fifteen different types of fruits and nuts are eaten at the Seder. The fruits and vegetables of the Tu B’Shevat Seder are divided in to three categories. Five fruits and nuts are needed from each of the categories.
Beriah – Fruits which are Edible Throughout
Beriah are fruits and nuts that need no protective internal or external shell. They can be eaten just as they are. These include: grapes, raisins, figs, carob, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, kiwi, quince.
Yetzirah – Fruits with Edible Outer Flesh and Pithy, Inedible Cores or Pits
In Yetzirah, the pit is inedible and should be disposed of. These should be used whole for the Seder so the pit or core can be removed during the Seder. These include: dates, peaches, olives, cherries, apricots, jujub, avocado, hackberry, plum, persimmon, azaroles or crabapples.
Asiyah – Fruits or Nuts with an Inedible Outer Shell and Edible Inner Core
Asiyah have their protective shell on the outside and are disposed of before eating. Whole fruit is used at the Seder so the outer shell can be removed during the Seder. These include: starfuit, pineapple, pomegranates, almonds, hazelnuts, papaya, brazil nut, pineapple, coconut, pomello, banana, orange, pecan, walnut, peanut, grapefruit.
Kabbalistic teachings indicate that by eating these tree bearing fruits and nuts with their appropriate blessings, it is considered tikkun, or rectification, for Adam’s eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.
Sources and Resources:
Yeshivat Benei N'vi'im KosherTorah.com
Chabad.or Jewish Holidays
KabbalahOnline.org
* The use of "G-d" with the "o" removed in order to prevent any known or unknown deletion or destruction of His name, as is customary in traditional Jewish writings.
Malysa Stratton Louk - Malysa Stratton Louk is a freelance writer, journalist & photographer in the Pacific Northwest. View her full profile for more ...
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