Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for the Trees, was today. It is a minor holiday celebrating the "birthday" of the trees, which has significance in the Torah's agricultural laws. It also reminds us of the Sages' comparison of man to a tree.
Why on earth (no pun intended) do we celebrate the birthday of the trees?
Moreover, since it’s over already, what is the point of mentioning it?
There are many lessons we can take from this holiday that go far beyond the day itself.
The first obvious question is why do we celebrate the trees in the dead of winter?
At this time of year the tree almost looks lifeless, the branches are bare and there is no fruit and seemingly no life.
But Rashi, the super commentator explains that on Tu B’Shvat (TU stands for the number 15 in Hebrew, so it literally means the 15th day of the month called Shvat) the sap behind to move deep within the tree. This miraculous action of the sap is an indication that the tree is not dead after all, indeed it is experiencing a rebirth, a rejuvenation. Even though this activity is not visible to the naked eye, it is nonetheless occurring.
What a powerful message to inspire and uplift us during difficult times.
Despite the fact that everything around us seems hopeless and we are deep in the winter of discontent, (what an understatement,)we can rest assured that deep beyond the surface, salvation is stirring.
Truly hope springs eternal.
Another idea suggested by Rabbi Rowe is that unlike other vegetation which grows quickly and obviously, a tree looks like a paltry stick for a long time.
Then, all of a sudden, it blossoms and creates a leafy canopy with its leaves.
The tree awakens within us the voice of wisdom that with time and effort, we too can bloom. It supports the message that we need to tend to ourselves, that growth takes effort, but with time, the greatness within will start to blossom forth.
Which leads us to the third idea which is always alluded to in connection with TuBshvat which is the verse from Deuteronomy 20:19 “man is like the tree of the field”

There are many explanations of this verse one of which alludes to the fact that like a tree, a person starts with only potential. A tree sprouts from a small seed, develops roots and branches.
A person too is raw potential and develops through the choices, actions and good deeds they perform over the course of their existence.
And what results may be breathtaking, life changing and inspiring. It’s the fruit of their labors.
This week’s Torah portion is BeShalach. It is the portion which records the Exodus from Egypt. It is full of miracles and supernatural events. It is worth your time to delve in.
Let us focus on one episode.
After the Jews exit Egypt, Pharoah experiences buyers remorse. He has effectively dismissed his entire slave population. He enlists his army, and they chase after the Jewish people. The Jews arrive at the edge of the Sea of Reeds. They are trapped. The Sea is before them, the Egyptian army is behind them, the situation seems hopeless. There is no where to go, nowhere to hide. Moses begins to pray, Gd tells him it’s not time for prayer, it’s time for action. It’s time to go forward.
But what’s the action? It looks like a suicide mission.
One man, Nachshon Ben Aminadav starts to walk ahead. He enters the water and plows forward until he is so deeply in the water that it reaches his nostrils.
And at that moment, the sea splits.
Nachshon believed in Gd and knew what his mission was and he became the symbol of faith under fire, proper intentions in the face of adversity.
Sounds like a nice story.
Very inspiring.
It’s the stuff of legends.
Actually, it’s not a legend, it’s facts on the ground in Israel today.
We have an army of soldiers who are risking their lives for us. Their bravery in the face of this insurmountable tsunami of an enemy is biblical in its nature. They go forth even when it seems impossible, and there are miracles happening every day. But it’s not always a happy ending. We lost many precious soldiers this week. And the loss is even greater when we learn posthumously what giants cod faith and action they were.
We lost a precious soul this week, 35 year old Master Sgt (reserves) Elkana Vizel. He left behind a young family of four children. He had been wounded in Protectice Edge and was exempt from service, yet he insisted on fighting for his people. A letter he wrote was found after he died
“When a soldier falls in battle it is sad. But I ask you to be happy. Don’t be sad when you part from me. Sing a lot, hold each other’s hands, and strengthen one another. We have so much to be excited and happy about—we are the generation of Jewish redemption! We are writing the most meaningful moments in the history of our people and the whole world. So please be optimistic. Keep choosing life all the time—a life of love, hope, purity and optimism.”
He continues with the theme of celebrating life rather than mourning his death: “Look into the eyes of your loved ones and remind them that everything they experience in this life is worth it and that they have a lot to live for. Live! Don’t stop for a moment the intensities of life! I was wounded in ‘Operation Protective Edge [against Hamas in 2014].’ I had the choice to stay behind, but I don’t regret for a moment returning to be a fighter. On the contrary, it’s the best decision I ever made.”
Nachshon’s spirit lives on!
As the Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos wrote
“They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we are seeds”.
TuBshvat may be over this year, but take heed, the Jewish people has just begun to blossom.
Hope springs eternal.
Shabbat Shalom and so much love.
I am taking the liberty of sharing a post which gives the opportunity to support our soldiers in Israel. Please click on the link to support my brother in law who is serving on the frontlines for us all.
https://www.facebook.com/share/Hk9inMeDVSuXF6oC/?