This is an outline of questions to spark intimate conversation aligned with each of the 4 worlds of the Tu B’ShvatThe 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. 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..
The world of Atzilut, of formlessness, of Ayn Sof
Over a glass of white wine, ask each other these questions:
What is God?
What have you seen of God?
What do you know of God?
How has God shown up in your life?
Do you feel God’s presence now?
The world of Briyah, of creation, aligned with intellect
With a glass of white wine and a splash of red, ask:
What is intellect?
How has your intellect served you?
Where do you find your thoughts most often?
Do you have any preoccupations?
How would you describe your mind?
The world of Yetzirah, of formation, aligned with the heart
With a glass of half red and white, ask:
When have you been in love?
What does love mean to you?
What is the ideal expression of love?
How do you relate to your heart?
The world of Assiyah, of action, of doing
With a glass of red wine, ask:
What do you find attractive about me?
How do you most like to spend your time?
How does your body feel right now?
What world are you most drawn to? Where do you reside most? Why?
