This year Tu B'Shvat (the 15th day of the month of Shvat) falls on February 13. Tu B’shvat marks the beginning of the "new year" for trees. What is the significance of a new year for trees? Historically, on Tu B'Shvat the age of a tree was calculated for the purpose of tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees grown in Israel may not be eaten during the first three years. The fruit of the fourth year is for God, and only after four years can the fruit be eaten and enjoyed.
Tu B'shvat also signals the earth's re-awakening from its winter slumber, and marks the beginning of spring. In Israel, the almond tree begins to blossom and is a symbol of the holiday. The holiday is a celebration of our appreciation of nature and gives us time to examine our relationship to our environment. It is customary to plant trees on Tu B'shvat and to eat the fruits of the land of Israel. A lovely tradition is to participate in a Tu B'shvat Seder, complete with four cups of wine. There are a variety of examples of seders available on the internet (see below).
Why plant trees?
“The Holy One, Blessed Be He, said to the people of Israel: Even though you will find the land bountiful, do not decide to sit and not sow. Rather, be diligent in sowing. Just as you found planting done by others when you arrived, so are you to plant for future generations. Lest an old man say, "I am old now and how many years do I have ahead of me? Why am I toiling so hard for the benefit of others?' For this reason, man should not be lazy in sowing. Just as he found growth, so shall he continue the chain of life for the future." (Midrash Tanchuma, Kedoshim).
When we think of Tu B'shvat and planting trees in Israel, we think of the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet L'Yisrael) and its important role in developing the land of Israel. For good background information on the work of JNF in Israel browse their site: http://www.kkl.org.il/
On the Jewish Theological Seminary web site you will find articles, explanations, recipes, kids' activities, and more. Check it out: http://learn.jtsa.edu/tubshevat/
Looking for a Tu B’shvat Seder or want to learn more about environmental organizations? See the list of resources provided on the site of the Jewish Agency’s Department for Jewish Zionist Education (in English, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish and Russian): http://www.jafi.org.il/education/festivls/tubish/tub.html
COEJL--The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life-- was founded in 1993 to promote environmental education, scholarship and advocacy. On their web site, you can learn more about Judaism’s relationship to the environment: http://www.coejl.org/learn/
Jacob Richman’s hot sites has a comprehensive list of Tu B’shvat web sites in English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Italian and German: http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdaytu.htm
Prof. David Golinkin: In Memory of
Solomon Schechter on his 90th Yahrtzeit
Solomon Schechter (1847-1915) was a Romanian Jewish rabbi, academic scholar and educator, most famous for his roles as founder and President of the United Synagogue of America (the umbrella organization of all Conservative congregations in North America), President of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and architect of the American Conservative movement. (You can read more about Schechter's life at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Schechter )
On December 15, 2005, the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies held its first annual “Sarah Becker Frank Conference on the Status of Women in Israel” on the topic of “Forming a New Social Order: Women and Womanhood Shaping Yishuv Society”. Professor David Golinkin's opening remarks were dedicated to the 90th yahrtzeit of Solomon Schechter and were entitled, "Solomon Schechter, Rivka Lipa and Jewish Women's Studies". His comments were translated into English and are worth reading. It can be found on the Schechter Institute web sight: http://www.schechter.edu/pubs/insight51.htm
Rabbi Chaim Weiner, Director of the European Masorti Beit Din, has announced a new study opportunity for those who are looking for a way to engage in regular Torah study, but are unable to dedicate a great amount of time. The goal is to enable people to study one verse of Torah each week in depth, as part of a regular study routine. Rabbi Weiner comments, “You will be surprised how many skills you can acquire, and how much you can learn, by dedicating only 10 minutes each week to Torah study.”
Each week, Rabbi Weiner will send out a verse from the weekly Torah reading, together with a commentary or Midrash and some guiding questions. The following week you will receive some comments on the previous week’s verse, together with a new verse and questions. You can engage with this material however you wish: by reading, thinking, answering the questions or even by sending your answers to Rabbi Weiner for comments.
This is an exciting new opportunity to add Torah study into your life. If you wish to receive the weekly email, please send Rabbi Weiner a message (weiner@masorti.org.uk) and ask to be added to his list. You can also access the material directly on his website: www.tenminutesoftorah.supanet.com
