From Rabbi Donald Robert's Study

Dr. Donald Neil Roberts, Rabbi

Tu B'Shevat

 Tu B'Shevat is the day of the year that separates the previous year from the upcoming year with respect to fruits grown on trees. It is the day the rabbis designated to determine the fruits of the previous year's crop, for purposes of tithing.  Tu B'Shevat is also a day that bespeaks the praise of the Land of Israel, and it is therefore imbued with a festive sense. Work is not prohibited, but there is a tradition to eat fruits of the Land of Israel, especially of the seven species for which Israel is praised (they are: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates).

Conceptually, Tu B'Shevat means much more.  It is not called the "Rosh Hashanah for the trees," but for "the tree" (singular); whenever the word "tree" is used, it always refers to Torah, which is called "Aitz Chaim," the Tree of Life. Most people are aware that there were at least two trees in the Garden of Eden: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the Tree of Life. What many are not aware of is that there had only been one tree before Adam ate the Forbidden Fruit: the Tree of Life. Prior to the eating of the Forbidden Fruit, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil existed merely as a branch of the Tree of Life itself. Once Adam ate from the Tree against God's will did the "branch" break off and become an independent tree and source of knowledge.

Rectification of creation means re-unifying the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil with the Tree of Life.  We do this primarily by learning Torah and doing mitzvot, Therefore, Tu B'Shevat is not simply a non-holiday, to be marked merely by the consumption of fruits. It is a time of deep contemplation, of developing a spiritual unity with Torah and Israel. Like on Purim after it, the festive mood of Tu B'Shevat is to help us elevate our consciousness to tap into God's master plan for creation, and find our place within that plan. In doing so, we bring the Tree of Knowledge closer to unification with the Tree of Life. Tu B'Shevat is also the celebration of the unique and intimate relationship the Jewish people have with God, and a day to pursue that closeness.

Rabbi Donald Neil Roberts

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