It might be the dead of winter, but around the world, Jews will be celebrating Spring a tad on the early side. February 8th is also the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat (or "Tu B’Shevat"). This is considered "The New Year of the Trees." Why at this time of year? It is because the rabbis of the Talmud decided that this Hebrew date would begin the agricultural cycle for the purpose of biblical tithes. As well, unlike here in New York, the season is moderate enough in the land of Israel that it is a perfect time to plant new trees.
Many Jews celebrate Tu B’Shevat by holding a seder, a special meal much like the Passover seder (but without all the matzah!) Different fruits and nuts are presented and thanks are given to God for the produce of trees. Some people plant trees in Israel by giving to the Jewish National Fund. In all cases, we take pause on Tu B’Shevat and honor our ecology and nature through our commemoration.
Today, more than ever, we are aware of the impact human beings have on the earth. Despite our best efforts, we continue to pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land from which our trees are grown. This season, despite bare trees and cold earth, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to "going green" for the sake of our environment. We are given only one planet on which to live. We share it with one another and all other life in the world. Our Judaism requires us to not take the world for granted, to tend and nurture it, and to not be wasteful.
On February 8th, we might not attend a Tu B’Shevat seder, nor say blessings aloud, but we can use the day to bring awareness to our friends and family, and perhaps even take action. As of January 1, the city of New Rochelle is recycling all plastics, not just one or two categories. This, coupled with our city’s commitment to recycling of metals, glass, and paper, shows our secular community’s value of tending to the earth. Consider making a donation to a charitable organization that helps out as well, like EcologyFund.com, newdream.org, or jnf.org. Perhaps you might want to plan out a new garden for your home, or investigate composting (a good resource is compostinstructions.com). Any way you can contribute to repairing the world is a fitting tribute to Tu B’Shevat and the trees’ birthday.
God charged humanity to be partners with the Divine in maintaining creation. Won’t you be a part?
Cantor Erik Contzius
Tu B’Shevat: The Birthday of the Trees
