Tu BiShevat

The Torah (Leviticus 19:23) commands us not to eat or make use of fruit from a tree during its first four years. The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 1:1) stipulates that the fifteenth of the month of Shevat (Tu BiShevat) should be marked as the New Year for Trees. Thus all trees planted before the fifteenth of Shevat would be considered a year old on the date, while trees planted on or after the fifteenth would be considered in their first year, making it easier for farmers to keep track. Since fruit produced in the fourth year was taken to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, the destruction of the aforesaid sanctuary meant that this Torah command was no longer enforced.

The resettlement of the Land of Israel in the 19th century led to the revival of Tu BiShevat as national Arbour Day during which trees are planted and their importance to the eco-system is emphasised. At Temple Israel we follow the practices of communities that celebrate Tu BiShevat by planting trees, studying Jewish texts that deal with our obligation to take care of the earth and its natural resources, and holding a Tu BiShevat Seder during which the seven species deemed to be indigenous to the Land of Israel are eaten.

The Seven Species:

Olives

Olives and olive oil were vital in ancient Israel, used for food, lighting lamps, and as offerings in the Temple. Olives symbolize peace, as the olive branch is a traditional symbol of peace, and they also represent nourishment and the richness of the land.

Grapes

Grapes are a symbol of abundance and joy. They are closely associated with wine, which plays a central role in Jewish rituals, including the Seder. Grapes and wine symbolize celebration and the sacredness of the land.

Wheat

Wheat is a fundamental grain in Jewish culture, mentioned in the Torah as a food offering. It represents sustenance and the agricultural backbone of Israel. It also symbolizes the spiritual nourishment that comes from the Land of Israel.

Barley

Barley, often seen as a humbler grain than wheat, represents sustenance and resilience. It is the first grain to ripen in the Land of Israel and is traditionally used for animal feed. In the context of the Seder, barley serves as a reminder of the relationship between humans and nature.

Figs

Figs are sweet, delicious fruits that are mentioned frequently in the Bible as a symbol of peace and prosperity. The fig tree’s fruit is associated with abundance and the connection between nature and humanity.

Dates

Dates are a symbol of sweetness and fertility. They are linked to the desert, which is abundant with date palms, and are an example of the contrast between the barren and fertile aspects of the land.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates, known for their many seeds, symbolize the Jewish people, as they are often said to have 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. They represent fertility, righteousness, and the promise of a fruitful life.

The Tu BiShevat Seder is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate nature and reflect on the interconnectedness between humanity, the earth, and our collective responsibility to care for the world around us. The Seven Species, traditionally associated with the Land of Israel, symbolize the diversity and richness of the earth’s bounty. While this connection to the land is significant, the Seder invites us to consider the broader themes of environmental sustainability and the importance of protecting the natural world for future generations regardless of national borders.

Through this ritual, we affirm our commitment to environmental stewardship, drawing on Jewish values that emphasize respect for creation and the ethical treatment of the planet. Participating in the Seder is a reminder that caring for the earth transcends any single land or identity, encouraging mindfulness about where our food comes from and the lasting impact our actions have on the environment.