Tonight begins the annual festival of Tu Bi’Shevat, the fifteenth of Shevat. It is the Jewish New Year for trees.
But, I think it is one of the most misunderstood dates on the Jewish calendar. You see, it’s not the Jewish New Year for the earth, conservation, or even for vegetation. Sorry to disappoint, but it’s specifically the New Year for trees.
As such, we observe it by eating fruit, not grain or vegetables.
The origins of this festival are in the Talmud. The opening Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashanah states:
There are four New Year days: The first of Nissan is New Year for Kings and for festivals; the first of Elul is New Year for the cattle-tithe, but according to R. Eliezer and R. Shimon, it is on the first of Tishrei. The first of Tishrei is the New Year for years, and for Shemittah and Jubilees; and also for the planting of trees and for vegetables. On the first day of Shevat is the New Year for trees, according to the school of Shammai; but the school of Hillel says it is on the fifteenth of the same month.
Interestingly, there already is a New Year for all of our material needs (Rosh Hashanah on 1 Tishrei), which is also the New Year for vegetation. And, the prohibition against wastefulness is a broad mitzvah pertaining to all of our resources. So, that’s not what Tu Bi’Shevat is about.
So, what is the meaning of a New Year for trees? And, why should we celebrate a specific festival for trees as opposed to other produce?
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A fundamental difference between vegetables and fruit is that grains and vegetables generally are more necessary for survival, whereas fruit are mainly consumed as an addition to a basic diet. Okay, that’s an oversimplification. But, the point is that while wheat and corn might be considered essentials of a meal, fruit are often considered snacks and desserts.
What is the meaning of establishing a festival to celebrate delicacies and vitamins versus the staples of survival?
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Following the rules is critical in a family, society, or classroom. It is the core of what relationships are built upon. But, what type of relationship would it be if it only involved the ritual observance of obligations? What kind of family life would there be without the fun times and memories? What kind of society would we have without patriotic symbols and events? How would a classroom look without creativity and passion?
Judaism recognizes that we need a solid foundation. In life, the boring commitments to marriage, coworkers and neighbors are necessary. In fact, they may consume the greatest quantity in a relationship.
But, it’s the added passion, the unique flavor and special moments that infuse energy and a sense of purpose into our relationships. Without them, our duties and privileges seem lifeless and empty.
The same holds true for Torah study. If we only skim the surface of Jewish history and practice, it may – at times – seem technical and tedious. We might find ourselves more attracted to the current trends than the pages of the Torah.
If, however, we delve beneath the surface, unveiling the secret mysteries of the Torah’s soul, it becomes a delight. The inner dimension of Torah (call it kabbalah, call it Chassidus, call it something else) is what brings the stories and traditions of Judaism to life. Without it, we are eating plain, bland bread. The bread might be the staple, but it’s the delicious jam that makes it attractive.
This is what we celebrate on Tu Bi’Shevat! We eat fruit, symbolizing the delicacies of our relationship with each other, with G-d and with our own selves.
This New Year for Trees, make sure to eat some fruit – both physical and spiritual!