Tu BiShevat: We Grow Like Trees

Rabbi Ariel Platt 

Today is Tu BiShevat (the 15th of Shevat), known as the “birthday” or “new year” of the trees — a holiday that marks the beginning of spring in Israel.

Over time, Tu BiShevat has evolved alongside the people who celebrate it. What began with ancient farmers offering the first fruits of their trees in gratitude at the Temple later inspired Jewish mystics to create a Tu BiShevat seder centered around the fruits of the land. Today, it is often observed by planting trees and renewing our commitment to caring for the environment and the world we share.

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will start to understand everything better.”

Nature has much to teach us. Trees, in particular, are remarkable. They begin as small seeds and, over time, grow into towering beings — with twisting branches, sturdy trunks, and roots that reach deep into the earth. Even when growth isn’t visible, it is always happening. 

In many ways, we are like trees. We grow, change, and adapt over time — even through difficult seasons. This is our superpower: we are not defined by who we were yesterday. We can continue to learn, make better choices, and become better in how we think, act, and treat one another. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov taught, “If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?”

On Tu BiShevat, as we welcome the coming of spring — even while there is still snow on the ground and darkness outside — we are reminded that renewal is always possible. Like trees, we can strengthen our roots, reach higher, and keep growing.

Chag Sameach! Happy TuBiShevat!

Check out these links for more information:

PJ Library – https://pjlibrary.org/tubshevat 

My Jewish Learning – https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tu-bishvat/