Tu B’Shevat the birthday for the trees:
The Talmud teaches that when the Holy One, Blessed be He, had created all things and formed man and placed man in the land, He said to man: "See My works, how handsome and fine they are: everything I have created was created for you. Make sure you do not spoil and destroy this world, for what you spoil you will not be able to repair."
G-d created this land for us to use and enjoy and not to destroy it, just like the Talmud teaches us above. This is our home and the home of future generations until HaMoshiach returns and makes all things new. So until that time, let us be the caretakers that G-d has called us to be. One good reminder of this responsibility is the Jewish holiday called Tu B'Shevat (or the “Jewish Arbor Day”). In this celebration and Seder we stop from our daily routines, then observe and remember that G-d is ultimately in control and that we, His stewards, are responsible to oversee what He has given us. Then we go out into the land He has given us to survey all its beauty and look for ways to improve and care for the land. So where did this ecological holiday start? It came from an obscure passage in Torah:
"You shall tithe all the yield of your seed, which comes forth from the field year by year." Deut. 14.22So what does tithing have to do with an ecological holiday? For this answer we have to go back to the time HaMoshiach was a child.
When Yeshua was a child there were no Seders, no big meals, and no celebrations in observance of Tu B' Shevat. In fact this holiday was like HaOmer - nothing but an agricultural holiday. HaShem called our ancestors to tithe this year's produce, that is, this year's produce, not last year's. However how could the priest be sure (especially with nuts) that old produce hadn't been tossed in? Thus a day was set aside so that the flowering of the coming spring could give an estimate of what to expect and ward off cheaters. The benchmark for the flowering of trees was the almond (it flowers very early). In the valleys the almonds flower on the first of Shevat but up in the mountains the almonds flowers later on the fifteenth (thus Tu B' Shevat or the fifteenth of Shevat where the "Tu" is an acronym consisting of "Tet" and "Vav" which equal fifteen). Thus came the great controversy on which day of the almonds flowering should count for later records in the Temple.
The confusion on which day to count became a major dispute between two great schools of thought: one by the disciples of Shammai (they took the earlier date) and the school of Hillel (they took the later date). Eventually the later date was chosen and Hillel and his students declared Chamisha Asar B'Shevat, a semi-holiday, where it stays today. They also called this Rosh Hashanah L'Ilanot, which means the New Year for the Trees and this title would become important later in the development of the Seder. Therefore, the ancient celebration, if we can call it that, was nothing short of the tabulating of how many flowers were budding on the local trees in Eretz Yisrael. Unless Yosif had some trees, then, this day passed for Yeshua's family like any other.
The holiday aspects we now know evolved after the Temple was destroyed in 70CE/AD and our people were exiled. The symbol of the Holy Land's growth of fruiting from one year to the next became a powerful image and a connection to our lost homeland. Thus this holiday, which was traditionally agricultural, moved to be a celebration in which people ate the foods grown in Eretz Yisrael and nothing more.
Later the Kabbalist added the celebration of the tree drawing upon Hillel's own observations into this feast. They did not originally focus on all trees, but just on the One main Tree - The Tree of Life, found in Genesis 2.9. Thus, they decided that the "New Year of the tree" was actually "the New Year of THE TREE". They reasoned that the Tree of Life was actually G-d (where His roots rest in the heavens and His branches extend to and throughout the earth) and thus the New Year of the spring referenced the renewal of the entire universe as well as the renewal of the trees of spring. With this upon their hearts they created the celebration we know of today, modeling their Seder after the Pesach Seder. It included eating the foods of Eretz Yisrael, drinking four cups of wine (or juice) and reading the Torah, the Tanakh, and the Zohar. Other changes were the addition of poems and songs, these came from the Sephardic Jews, and even later some added that we should eat fifteen different fruits (we left this addition out).
In our modern time the wish to return to our homeland has been realized by many of our people and with it the return of the agricultural aspect in planting trees on the day of this holiday in the Holy Land. The trees are planted in immense fanfare including song and dance right after the feast (Seder). Those living outside the land, still in Diaspora, usually give money for the planting of trees in Yisrael, as well as continuing the tradition of the Seder and traditional foods in their present lands. Over time, ecological themes came, thus the tradition of caring for, planting and planning of gardens came into play even for those not yet fortunate to live in our home land. Lastly, many donate money to ecological associations (The Arbor Society for example) for much the same reason.
All these donations grew out of the fact that many Jews live far from our homeland even today. Do these compromises really teach the lesson the original commandment sought? We feel a better idea would be to change the date to match the climate we live in. Your state Arbor Day might work if this day was set for your state alone. If not, your local Cooperative Extension agent would be able to tell you the best time to plant trees and when trees are likely to bud. Of course, if all else fails you could watch for your fruit trees to see when they start budding and celebrate then. In doing this we not only learn the connection to our environment, our homeland, and our responsibility, we also learn how to practice what we preach. But first, partake in the Seder the Kabbalist invented to teach these lessons before we set out to take these lessons into practice
Lastly, this holiday is in keeping with our Catholic heritage and Laws for good stewardship:
2415. “The seventh Commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity, [Cf.Gen (but the chapter reference is obscure)] Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for morel imperative. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living being granted by the Creator is not absolute, it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation. [Cf, CA. 37-38]”
Thus in holiday we teach our children to respect the Creation our Father gave us and to also model this respect on how we ourselves abide this Mitzvah of both our Catholic faith and Torah.
Tu B'Shevat Seder:
Tu B'Shevat is like other holidays as we decorate the table with a white linen cloth and dress it with beautiful flowers. And similar to Pesach (Passover) and HaOmer (the counting, that is Easter) we use a Seder plate, however there is more that we do. First, it is the tradition that each person at the table is given a clear drinking or wine glass into which two wines will be poured. We start with white wine (or grape juice) and gradually add red wine (a total of three times) while never fully emptying our glasses (until the end). As the Seder progresses the color of the wine deepens until the white is completely changed to a deep rose. In the same way the snow melts and is replaced by the promise of a fertile warm spring.
Secondly, there is the Seder plate on which we place has four types of fruit, each representing the basic elements of nature:
Yeshua identifies four "soils" which the seed of the Word can be planted. The first is the soil of the world that leaves us open to hasatan's (the satan's) influences. The second is the superficial "soil"; those that tolerate the Gospels so long as it is convenient. The third "soil" is the soil of affluence; and as Yeshua has said, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Lastly, He identified a good "soil" in which things could grow and this soil brought forth yields of thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold.
Another way to see this is by looking to the fruit itself as a symbol and not just as the earth. Just as the outer portion is broken so we may consume the fruit inside, so too must we reject the ways of the flesh and take in the fruit for the soul, which comes from the Word of G-d in His Bible, in His Church, and in His Eucharist. These will bring forth the Light of Him who dwells in us to all who are faithful.
Water represents Torah because water travels to lowly places, therefore we must be humble when we go before the Word of G-d if we are to understand it. However Torah is "inedible at it's core" because of its absolutes. This is why Yeshua had to come, because "all fall short of the glory of G-d" and it is only through faith in Him that we can be saved (for He is the "Living Water"). Through the Good News and His Eucharistic Church does He bring the Torah to life and makes keeping Mitzvoth possible.
Although not traditional, some add candles to the Seder, usually ones with a fruity or flowery sent. If you do, then add the festival blessing for the lighting of the Candles and light the candles 18 minutes before sundown as you would on Sabbath:
Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, asher kid'shanu be'mizvotav v'taivanu lehadlik ner shel [*Shabbat v'shel] Yom Tov.*Add this if the holy day falls on Sabbath.Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who makes us holy with His commandments and has commanded us to kindle the lights of [Sabbath and of] the festival.
The Seder:
Leader:
O L-rd our G-d, we gather together this day of Tu B'Shevat, known as the birthday of the tree. Kabbalist tell us that this is the Tree of Life (which represents Yeshua) that grew in the center of the Garden and on which our salvation rests. The sages have also taught that today we are to look carefully at the land that G-d gave us, for the fruit and the seeds of the harvest are planted in the spring and our righteous Church echoes this same spirit within her teachings. This is not just in the land we now reside, but also in the land, which He gave to our fathers Av'raham, Y'tzak, and Yacob (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This is the New Year, the new year of the trees.
The Holiday Blessing:
Leader (or as a group) says the shehekheyanu:
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, shehekheyanu, v'kiyamanu, v'higgiyanu lazman hazen.Blessed are You L-rd our G-d King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
The Four Questions:
Now, usually the youngest child (although you can alternate children) asks the four questions. The answers are found within the body of the Seder:
Child: On all other New Year celebrations we honor people, events. Why do we have this special New Year to honor the trees?
Child: On all other days we eat only one kind of fruit, why on this day do we eat four different kinds of fruits and ask a special blessing before we eat them?
Child: On all other days we drink only one kind of grape juice/wine. Why on this day do we drink four cups of juice/wine in different shades from white to red?
Child: On other days we eat all kinds of fruits. Why on Tu B'Shevat do we eat only fruit that is specifically grown in Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel?
Leader:
These are all good questions and we will answer all of them within this Seder, but first we must wash our hands and then after this we will do our best to answer these questions:
Hand washing:
Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha-olam, asher kid'shanu Bemitzvotav vitzivanu al netilat yadayim.Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who makes us holy with Your Commandments and calls us to wash our hands.
First Cup:
{First cup is filled with white grape juice or wine}
Reader:
"And G-d said, 'Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its' kind, upon the earth.' And it was so." Gen.1.11
Leader {lifting his cup}:
Let us lift our cups of white wine that remind us of the cold winter snows that preceded the coming of the spring and together we bless our L-rd:
{Together}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree hagafen.{We each take a drink, but do not empty the cup at this time.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who created the fruit of the vine.
The first fruit:
Reader:
"And G-d said. 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so. G-d called the dry land Earth, and the waters He gathered together He called seas." Gen.1.9-10
Leader lifts the first fruit that represents the earth (those with a peel or shell that cannot be eaten):
This is the fruit that reminds us of the earth. It brings forth life only if the seed can penetrate the hard surface. May the Lord penetrate all the barriers we put up against His Word, His Teachers, and His Eucharist that we might taste the sweet fruit of His salvation.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree ha'eitz{We pass around and eat the fruit of the tree.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.
Second Cup:
Reader:
"For the L-rd Your G-d is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, and whose hills you can dig copper. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the L-rd your G-d for the good land He has given you." Deut.8.7-10
{Add red wine to the white wine on the table. This should form a light pink color (you may have to refill some of the kids' cups to achieve the same effect)}
Leader:
We mix the red with the white, and remember the time when the snow still seems deep and yet the promise of spring awakens first on the trees. As buds form we remember that G-d's promise of spring is very near.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree hagafen.{Again we take another drink, but do not empty the cup.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who created the fruit of the vine.
The second fruit:
Reader:
"For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground." Is.44.3Leader: {holding up the second fruit representing water - those that have a core that is edible and a flesh you can eat}
This is the fruit that reminds us of water that represents the Torah. Although its center is hard, its flesh is sweet and good to eat. May Eloheinu soften our hearts so that all may eat the sweet fruits of His Torah brought to life through His Son, Yeshua HaMoshiach.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree ha'eitz.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.
{We pass around the second fruit}
The Third Cup:
Reader:
"And if you obey the voice of the L-rd your G-d, being careful to do all His Commandments which I command you this day, the L-rd your G-d will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessing shall come upon you overtake you, if you obey the voice of the L-rd your G-d. Blessed shall be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket, and your kneading-trough. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." Deut.28.1-6
{Add red wine to the white wine on the table. This should form a darker pink color}
Leader:
We mix the wines again for the third time, just as warmth of the spring mixes with the cold of winter. May this cup remind us of the time when the snow lessons and flowers break forth through its crust, heralding that the spring is indeed coming. But we also must remember that we are to obey the voice of our Father and honor the gifts He gave us.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree hagafen.{We take another sip of the wine.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe Who created the fruit of the vine.
The Third Fruit:
Reader:
". . . then the L-rd G-d formed man of the dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Gen.2.7
Leader: {lifting the third fruit, which represents the air- fruit that is completely edible}:
This third fruit is to remind us of the air, which has no barriers just as God's Spirit. It can go into any heart if only that heart is willing.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree ha'eitz{Everyone taste the third fruit.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the earth.
The Fourth Cup:
Reader:
Your blessings be upon us, O L-rd our G-d, for this year and for all kinds of produce for good. Give dew and rain for a blessing upon the face of the land; satisfy us with your goodness and bless our year as the good years of past. Blessed are You, O L-rd, Who blesses the years. (from the daily Amidah, prayer IX)
{Now we fill the cup for the fourth time, again with red wine. This third addition should turn the wine in your cups to a deep red.}
Leader:
We mix the wines again for the last time. Deep is the color of red as the warmth becomes deep and strong as the spring envelops the snow.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree hagafen.{The cup can be emptied at this time or save some for the meal.}Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who created the fruit of the vine.
The Fourth Fruit:
Reader:
"And the angel of the L-rd appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed." Ex.3.2Leader:
This fourth fruit is to remind us of the fire in which G-d purifies us. Yet it is not a fruit at all but a small seed, such as the Word is, which if planted into a willing heart can grow into the greatest trees of faith.
{Together:}
Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melekh Ha-olam, boray p'ree ha'eitz.{Everyone tastes the fourth fruit.}Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who creates fruit of the tree.
The Barukh HaMotzi:
{Leader raises the traditional sweet Challot and all say the following blessing}:
Barukh Atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh Ha-olam, hamotzi lechem ha'aretz.{Here we enjoy the meal}Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.
The Meal:
The Seder includes many foods traditional to Eretz Yisrael: walnuts, almonds, dates, prunes, apricots, carob, grapes/raisins, barley and wheat berries are a few examples (some limit themselves to only the fruit mentioned in Torah). Below we include a few that we use in our own Seder that has become special in our own celebrations and which may give you ideas on your own celebration:
Our own family menu:
And here are the recipes:
Tu B'Shevat Fruity Chicken
This is our traditional chicken (and rice) for this holiday. We cook this dish and rice while the Seder is going on so it will be hot and ready to serve when we complete the Seder. The Beans Amandine (recipe follows) we cook ahead and warm up.
Ingredients and quantities:
Directions:
Serves four to six. Source unknown
Green Beans Amandine
This vegetable goes extremely well with the above main dish.
Ingredients and quantities:
Direction:
From What's Cooking, Tormont (Tormont Press, Quebec, © 1990
Carob Mousse
Carob is often given out to school-aged children for this holiday in Eretz Yisrael. This is why we include this in our desert and it is a favorite light desert. Sometimes we compliment this with Carob brownies, which are nothing more than our traditional brownie recipe, with carob powder replacing the chocolate, and with added walnuts and chopped dried fruits (for a festive touch).
Ingredients and quantities:
Directions:
Combine water, carob, and honey in a small saucepan. Place over low heat, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes. Gradually add butter and egg yolks and stir briskly over low heat until mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla.
In small bowl beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir a spoonful of whites into the carob mixture, then fold in remainder. When thoroughly combined, pour into 4-6 ramekins and freeze for 15-20 minutes (or make earlier in the day and refrigerate until needed).
From Rodale's Basic Natural Foods Cookbook Ed. by Charles Gerras (Rodale Press, Emmaus, Penn. © 1984
After the Meal Blessing (after we finish the meal there is a special end of the meal blessing we say):
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, for the tree and the fruit of the tree. For the vine and the fruit of the vine, for the nourishment and sustenance and for the produce of the field, for the desirable, good and spacious Land that You were pleased to give our forefathers as a heritage; to eat of its fruit and to be satisfied with its goodness. Have mercy, L-rd our G-d, on Yisrael, Your people; on Yerushalem, Your city; on Tzion, the resting place of Your glory, upon Your altar and upon Your Temple, and upon Your Church founded by Your Son. Return Lord Yeshua and rebuild Yerushalem, the city of holiness, speedily in our days. Bring us up to it and gladden us in its rebuilding and let us eat of its fruit and be satisfied with its goodness and bless You upon it in holiness and purity. For You, O L-rd, are good and do good to all and we thank You for the land and for nourishment and sustenance, for the vine and the fruit of the vine and for the tree and the fruit of the tree. Blessed are You, O L-rd for the land and for the nourishment, the fruit of the vine and the fruit of the tree. Amen
{Together (this may be said or sung)}:
L'shanah Haba-ah Bi-Yerushala-yim Habb'nuyah-yah Uv'yamaynu B'zo HachadashahAfter the Seder:Next year in Jerusalem anew and in our days the New Jerusalem!
After we finish the Seder, we traditionally head out and plant a tree or bush (usually the next day), but if your "land" is small, then consider planting a few spring seeds or flowers which are hardy to the remaining frosts, or even start some seeds in a window box. Another choice could be going for a walk while taking in the budding trees and fresh sweet smell of the coming spring. It is also an excellent opportunity to teach the lessons of the environment, including the efforts and examples of Saint Francis of Assisi. Whatever your choice may be, even the local zoo, nature preserve or a place where the environment is being destroyed take the opportunity to discuss those words at the beginning. What did HaShem mean when He said, "for what you spoil you will not be able to repair"? And ask our children why this is true? Then ask them what they can do to set things right. Finally remind them when HaMoshiach comes He will make all things new so even the great damage sin creates in our world will one day be healed by the mighty hand of G-d alone. Remember most of all enjoy the holiday!
Shalom v’Yom Tov
