All over the world, Jews are marking the holiday of Tu b’ShevatThe new year of the trees, celebrated with a mystical seder (first created by the Kabbalists) at which four cups of wine are drunk and different kinds of fruit are eaten. In the State of Israel, Tu B'Shvat is Arbor Day, marked with the planting of trees. Tu B’Shvat also has become a modern holiday of the environment, with new seders and haggadot written to reflect this interest.. It is the new year for the trees, an observance that might have been meaningful for our ancestors in ancient IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel., but that feels a little strange to me right now. Outside my door the temperature is 17 degrees, and snow is forecast …
For those of us not witnessing the almonds blossoming in Israel, there remain many ways to approach Tu b’Shevat. Some appreciate the theological dimensions of the holiday and hold Tu b’Shevat seders in order to explore the mystical aspects of the day. Others approach Tu b’Shevat through a contemporary environmental lens. They study texts and engage in actions that support and heal the damaged earth.
I use Tu b’Shevat as an opportunity to connect with growing things, despite the wintry weather outside. I make an effort to visit an indoor garden or  nursery to be close to vibrant healthy plants. I re-pot house plants so I can feel the dirt on my hands. I walk in my neighborhood and attend to the signs of life contained in the frost and cold. I see the hardy plants that stay green all winter and I look for signs of hidden growth under the piles of leaves and dead branches. I also love the custom of planting parsley seeds to cultivate for the Passover sederLit. Order. The festive meal conducted on Passover night, in a specific order with specific rituals to symbolize aspects of the Exodus from Egypt. It is conducted following the haggadah, a book for this purpose. Additionally, there an ancient tradition to have a seder on Rosh Hashanah, which has been practiced in particular by Sephardi communities. This seder involves the blessing and eating of simanim, or symbolic foods. The mystics of Sefat also created a seder for Tu B'shvat, the new year of the trees.. It is a hopeful act, one that helps me look ahead to spring.
