“Keep a green tree in your heart, and perhaps the singing bird will come.” This lovely quotation is not from our sages but is an old Chinese proverb. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate for Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, which falls this year on February 6.
“When you see attractive people or fine trees, pronounce the benediction ‘Praised be He who created beautiful things’”
Tosefta: Berakot 7:4
Of course, we have our own Jewish sources as well: “When you see attractive people or fine trees, pronounce the benediction ‘Praised be He who created beautiful things’” (Tosefta: Berakot 7:4). Trees have a great significance in Judaism, and long before “ecology” became a popular word, Jews were commanded: “When you besiege a city… destroy not its trees” (Deut. 20:19).
In the past, trees were sacred to many people. Pagans believed that gods inhabited them and took their forms. They were druidic, rising out of the earth and tossing their hair. They were a tender life form which cooled, sheltered and calmed. It is easy to understand reverence for the beauty and dignity of trees, but only Judaism has a New Year for them, which falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat (Tu Bishvat).
This date once fulfilled a great function in Israel’s agricultural life. It marked the date from which to count the age of a tree for reasons of tithe or taxes, and also to indicate the maturation of the fruit of the tree. Even today, fruit cannot be eaten until the fourth year, so Tu Bishvat standardizes the birthday of trees.
What is Tu Bishvat like today?
Outside of Israel, Tu Bishvat is a very minor holiday, not commemorating any great historical event, and there are no special prayers in the synagogue. However, it has stood the test of time and is once again significant in Israel, where Jews have returned to the soil. From this date onward, the sun’s strength increases, and there are more daylight hours as the dry season approaches. It is a lovely time, ushered in by blossoming white almond trees and the promise of warm summer weather.
Like America’s Arbor Day, Tu Bishvat is traditionally a time for planting every variety of tree. The Talmud mentions “the joyous planting” on happy occasions. There was a delightful custom of planting a cedar when a boy was born and a cypress sapling upon the birth of a girl. When the children grew up and got married, the wood of the trees would be used as poles to support the wedding canopy.
In Israel, Tu Bishvat is a day for schoolchildren to go into the hills and valleys with their teachers and plant saplings. There is also a custom to eat the fruits of Israel that grow in abundance – olives, dates, grapes, figs, citrus, apples, bananas, nuts and pears.
Many scholars stay up late on the eve of Tu Bishvat, reciting biblical passages dealing with the earth’s fertility. They read from Genesis about how trees were created, along with all the plants of the Earth; from Leviticus, the divine promise of abundance as a reward for keeping the commandments; and from Ezekiel 17, the parable of the spreading vine, symbolizing the people of Israel.
Kabbalists hold a special Seder to celebrate the holiday, the New Year of the Tree of Life, which is rich in mystical connotations. They drink four cups of wine, beginning with white wine and ending with red, with the second cup a mixture more of white, and the third more of red wine. It is similar to the way the landscape changes from white (the pale narcissus and crocus) to red (anemones and tulips) as Tu Bishvat approaches.
As well as a birthday, Tu Bishvat it is also a day of judgment for the trees: Which will thrive and be healthy, and which will wither and die? Hassidim pray for the etrogim (citrons) that they may grow in beauty and perfection for Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.
Planting trees is very significant for Jews, the indestructible people for whom faith in the future is almost an emblem. We also plant trees whose fruit we will not eat and in whose shade we will not sit. The one who fears that the world will end tomorrow, or next year, does not plant trees.
Tu Bishvat affirms the fact that the soil of Israel is holy. The people and the land have a mystic affinity in Judaism, and the New Year of the Trees reminds us each year of the wonder of God’s creation. ■
The writer is the author of 14 books. Her personal favorite, Esther – a Jerusalem Love Story, after many years of being out of print, has been republished in Israel by Chaim Mazo and is available from him, from Amazon, or from the author at dwaysman@gmail.com.