Learn Hebrew

Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat, is the Rosh Hashanah (New Year) for trees, observed throughout Israel as a sort of national Arbor Day. And though it occurs in January/February on the Gregorian calendar, Tu B’Shevat traditionally marks the first day of spring in Israel, too.

History of Tu B’Shevat

The Torah indicates that the LORD loves trees. For example, consider some of the rules for a military campaign:

When you besiege a city for a long time... you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them. You may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that they should be besieged by you? (Deut. 20:19)

Notice the phrase, “are the trees of the field human”: , which suggests that since they are unable to flee the city and escape they should be shown mercy (other verses of the Scriptures that show God’s love for trees may be found in Psalm 1:3, 92:13-16, 96:11-13, Isaiah 55:12, etc.)

When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, Tu B’Shevat served as the day the first fruits of the trees that had turned four years old were offered (Talmud Tractate Rosh Hashana).

In the 17th century the Kabbalists of Safed developed a special seder (service) based on their interpretation of Deuteronomy 20:19 (which they read as “For man is like the tree of the field”). Four cups of wine are drunk during the seder, with varying percentages of red and white wine, representing the shifting of yearly seasons. And since the Torah particularly praises seven crops - wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives, dates, and pomengrates - these are eaten during the seder as well. The “Tree of Life” is one of the key metaphors in Kabbalistic thinking, being a symbol of both man and the Torah.

Finally, with the rise of Zionism in the late 19th century, Tu B’Shevat was rediscovered as a celebration that links the Jews with their land. The holiday became one of planting new trees to beautify the land of eretz Yisrael.

Modern Tu B’Shevat Customs

There are various minhagim (customs) associated with Tu B’Shevat, including:

A Story from the Talmud

This story represents the concept of tikkun olam - the repair of the world.  By celebrating the presence of trees in our lives and by planting new ones, we cooperate with the LORD in “tending the garden” of the good earth. Indeed, the LORD created the trees of the field to “clap their hands” in celebration of His glory (Isaiah 55:12), and by planting new trees, we participate in the song of life that ever sings His praise.

Four Jewish New Years...

Note that orthodox Judaism has four Rosh Hashanah’s observed every year:

1. Nisan 1 - This is the Biblical New Years Day, the start of the month of the Exodus from Egypt and the beginning of Jewish national history. Nissan 1 is also the first for counting the Festivals of the Hebrew Calendar and the reckoning of the years of reign of the Kings of Israel (if a king began his reign in the month before Nisan, then in Nisan, he is considered to be in the second year of his reign).
2. Elul 1 - This is the start of the year from the point of view of tithing of cattle for temple sacrifices. It also marks the time of Selichot, or preparation for repentance on the Jewish calendar.
3. Tishri 1 - This is the Rosh Hashanah of the Fall, the start of the Jewish civil year. This is also the starting date of the ten-day “trial” of humanity that climaxes on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) when the fate of each one is sealed.
4. Shevat 15 - This is the Rosh Hashanah for trees. This date occurs on the full moon of Shevat (when it is fully “ripe”) rather than at the new moon (as with the other Rosh Hashanahs). Historically, Tu B’Shevat used to be a day of tithing produce from fruit trees (any fruit ripening after this date was to be assessed for tithing for the following tax season). Today Tu B’Shevat represents a national Arbor Day in Israel, with tree planting ceremonies and donations made to the Jewish National Fund for the promotion of horticultural improvements in Israel. According to Jewish halakhah (rabbinical law), work is not prohibited, there are no required festive meals, and no special prayers added to the regular prayer services on this minor festival.

How Trees Help Israel...
Trees benefit Israel in countless ways, from beautifying the land to stopping soil erosion to reducing noise and air pollution. Indeed, the tree symbolizes the revival of Israel's land, and the Jewish people's bond with that land.

Israel is perhaps the only country on earth whose forests, instead of desert lands, are increasing. Trees are also essential to the thriving agricultural communities in the Negev.

Tu B’Shevat can be a day to celebrate the Torah – the tree of life!
“She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:18)

<< Return

Hebrew for Christians
Copyright © John J. Parsons
All rights reserved.
www.hebrew4christians.com