From Dormancy to Renewal, the Mystical Themes of Tu B'Shvat
The minor holiday, Tu B'shvat, known as the New Year for Trees, reveals a hidden spiritual tradition that is focused on rectification and renewal.
As daylight gradually increases and winter fades, the trees undergo hidden renewal processes as they begin to awaken from dormancy. It is fascinating that these processes coincide with the spiritually focused, and often overlooked holiday of Tu B'shvat.
Tu B'Shvat in History
Tu B’shvat¹, the "New Year for the Trees," is celebrated in Israel through a blend of tradition and modern environmental consciousness. Communities gather to plant trees—a symbolic act that strengthens the bond between the Jewish people and the land. A fun fact, since 1901, it is reported that the JNF (The Jewish National Fund) has helped plant over 240 Million trees in Israel!
In ancient times, Tu B'Shvat was related to the agricultural cycle of the firstfruit offerings (bikkurim) brought to the temple. The Mishnah, in Rosh Hashanah 1:1, counts four days that represent a kind of New Year in the Torah cycle, each with a unique focus, of which Tu B'Shvat is one.
After the temple's destruction in 70CE², these and other ceremonies could no longer be carried out. It is not clear if there were any significant traditions to commemorate the firstfruits offering in the centuries following the temple's destruction, however, in the 16th century, the Kabbalists inaugurated what is known as the Tu B'Shvat seder.
The Tu B'Shvat Seder
In some ways, the Tu B'Shvat seder is similar to a Passover seder as it is a community event that includes (4) cups of wine, various symbolic foods, and a lot of Torah learning.
In other ways, the Tu B'Shvat seder stands alone as its own unique experience, rich with mystical teachings that explore humankind's relationship with the physical and spiritual worlds.
Throughout the seder, participants journey through the methodic rectification of these soul levels, and their corresponding worlds—examining how we engage with these hidden aspects of ourselves.
A core component of the seder is the way in which we interact with food. Tradition teaches that eating, when done with mindfulness and holy intention, can begin to repair the first sin of humankind in the Garden of Eden. The simple act of slowing down and eating with focus is a massive mindset shift for many unaccustomed to viewing food as holy or spiritual.
Participants will eat fruits of various kinds, some that are entirely edible, like figs; and some that have a hard outer shell. The shell represents the mystical idea of the klippah⁵, hinting that good things can be attained through effort or trial—and, in another view, that we should be careful judging based on outside appearances.
Tu B'Shvat serves as a meaningful portal into the hidden dynamics of creation, open for all to participate. If you find the opportunity in your area to take part in a Tu B'Shvat seder, the experience is worth it.
Why Trees?
In Jewish tradition, every element of the physical world is imbued with spiritual significance. Trees stand out as one of the most important symbols in Rabbinic literature.
When spoken about in singular form, a tree can represent the tree of life, which is also a reference for the Torah itself. This idea is featured in the weekly singing of the Etz Chaim (Tree of life) in the Shabbat service.
People are also compared with trees (Psalm 1:3). In a Midrash featured in the Cursing of the Fig Tree, the fruits of one's spiritual life are likened to a tree, an idea we see echoed in Pirke Avot:
One whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, to what may he be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, so that when the wind comes, it uproots it and overturns it, as it is said, “He shall be like a bush in the desert, which does not sense the...It is set in the scorched places of the wilderness, in a barren land without inhabitant” . But one whose deeds exceed his wisdom, to what may he be compared?...To a tree whose branches are few but roots are many, so that even if all the winds in the world come and blow upon it, they cannot move it out of its place, as it is said, “He shall be like a tree planted...by waters, sending forth its roots by a stream....It has no care in a year of drought; it does not cease to yield fruit.” - Avot 3:17
A popular Midrash likens the nation of Israel to an olive tree. Paul leverages this tradition in Romans⁶ that the nations will ultimately be grafted into the tree of Israel.
In the mystical tradition, a tree represents the Sefirot, and the complex superstructure of how the Creator interacts with the world, and the balance of blessings (Chesed) and judgment (Gevurah).
The Tree of Faith
The Lubavitcher Rebbe shared a profound insight into the idea that trees also represent the fruits of our faith⁷.
Paraphrasing this idea, we learn:
- The Roots are equivalent to our faith (emunah). If we have strongly planted roots—a firm connection with G_D—we can withstand the storms of life.
- The Trunk: The trunk and the branches of the tree symbolize our actions. These are the outwardly visible aspects that represent our obedience to the Torah's commandments⁸, and the way we live in the physical world.
- The Fruits: The fruits of the tree symbolize the outcome of our faith and actions. As the fruits are the offerings we give to the world, the quality of these fruits is our contribution to the world around us. If we walk in the ways of G_D, we bear good fruit, a familiar metaphor for some.
Through the natural process of growth and fruit-bearing, the tree echoes the Kabbalistic process of tikkun olam⁹, or rectification.
Conclusion
Though this is just a glimpse, we can see that Tu B’shvat is far more than a Jewish Arbor day—it is a profound meditation on life, growth, and the journey of the soul.
It is a chance to pause and reflect on the types of seeds we are planting in our lives, a reminder that blossoms can take time to manifest, and guidance to be ever-conscious of the fruits we are giving to the world.
Notes:
¹ Tu BiShvat: Tithes, 4 Cups and 7 Species or Tu BShvat 101
² From Ruin to Resilience - Jewish Revival Post-Temple Destruction
⁴ The 5 Worlds of Jewish Cosmology
⁶ Misunderstanding Paul's Message in Romans 11
⁷ Chasidic Perspectives. Page 190-191
⁸ Mitzvot and Misconceptions: Understanding the Biblical Commandments
