Rabbi Howard Morrison

Today is Tu-Bishvat, the new year of the trees. Already the early signs of Spring emerge in Israel. As a child growing up in the Diaspora, I remember celebrating Tu-Bishvat by raising money for the purpose of having the Jewish National Fund (JNF) plant trees in Israel. Years later, whenever I would lead a tour of Israel, we would make sure to plant saplings in JNF parks to continue transforming Israel into an oasis.

In my adulthood, the Tu-Bishvat Seder has become a popular way to celebrate Tu-Bishvat. Rooted in the sixteenth century mystical tradition, the Kabbalists authorized a Seder text called, "Pri Etz Hadar - Fruit of goodly trees," as a manual to observe the new year of trees. Over the last several decades, all kinds of Tu-Bishvat Seder variations have been introduced focusing on such themes as Israel, ecology, conservation, and more. All share in common the transition from Winter to Spring with wine or grape juice starting with white and ending with red. In addition, all share different kinds of fruits: those with a shell, an outer skin and a pit, an inner pit alone, and free from any outer or inner protection.

Each year at Beth Emeth, we conduct a Tu-Bishvat Seder at the Seudah Shlishit, Third Sabbath Meal, closest to the date of Tu-Bishvat. I invite you and your family to join us this coming Shabbat afternoon.

During a year of sadness, horror, and anxiety since October 7, we could all benefit from celebrating a holiday centered around the beauty of the land of Israel.

"Tu- Bishvat higiah Chag Ha'Ilanot - Tu-Bishvat has arrived, the new year of the trees.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison