Happy Tu B’shvat, the Jewish Birthday of the Trees!
This year, the holiday (15 of Shevat on the Jewish calendar) begins on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, and extends through sundown Thursday, Feb. 13.
In Israel — and other areas with a Mediterranean climate — almond trees begin to bloom and spring is in the air.
In Israel — and other areas with a Mediterranean climate — almond trees begin to bloom and spring is in the air. Although spring will not be with us for a few months here in the Midwest, we reflect on the meaning of this holy occasion in the days and weeks to come.
In addition to sampling fruits that are mentioned in the Torah as native to the land of Israel (i.e., grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates), let us contemplate not only the new growth of nature but also our role in sustaining creation.
Commit to the practice of teshuvah
During the High Holy Days, we renewed our understanding of the concept of the Creation of the World and we recommitted our focus on the practice of teshuva — turning our lives toward sacredness through changing our actions.
During the High Holy Days, we renewed our understanding of the concept of the Creation of the World.
This month, I am sharing two teachings that are reminiscent of both. First, from the sages of our tradition, we learn the following prayer:
Tree, tree, with what can I bless you? That your fruit may be sweet? Your fruit is already sweet. That your shade be pleasant? Your shade is already pleasant. That a spring of water may flow beneath you? A spring already flows beneath you. Rather, may it be that all plantings that are planted from you be as you are.
We are created as one with earth
Second, here is a modern prayer (not original, but gleaned from Jewish teachings on environmental protection; author unknown):
Please help me to always make use of my capacity for belief in a way that brings me closer to You. Belief in the power of my errors won’t necessarily lead me to correct them. Belief in the power of teshuva will. Individual choice, while it may feel small, has an impact. We are adam/human, created as one with adamah/earth. It is the essence of who we are. May we find our own agency and utility and together may we partake in an environmental teshuva: Let us return to our best and truest selves. Let us cultivate a deeper understanding that we are a part of the natural world.
Let us step back into our role as part of a symbiotic relationship with the world. Let us plant a seed.
Reflect on some questions
And, complementary to these prayers, let us reflect upon the following questions, in honor of the celebration of Tu B’shvat:
- To what extent do you feel bound to a covenant of earth stewardship?
- When do you feel powerful in the face of our changing climate? When do you feel powerless?
- What barriers exist to your feeling that your actions can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world?
- What would it take for you to feel ready to act in the face of our changing climate?
I look forward to celebrating Tu B’shvat with you and exploring these themes together!
Rabbi Jennifer Lewis will serve UHC Terre Haute during the 2024-25 academic year.