Tu Bishvat: The New Year for Trees

Tu Bishvat, the 15th of Shevat, has evolved over centuries from an agricultural milestone in biblical law to a day of spiritual reflection and environmental awareness. Initially marking the cutoff date for tithing fruit in the Land of Israel, it later gained mystical significance through Kabbalistic traditions that emphasized human growth and connection to nature. In modern times, it has become a celebration of ecological responsibility, tree planting, and Jewish identity, particularly in Israel and the Diaspora. Despite its transformation over the ages, Tu Bishvat remains a symbol of renewal, sustenance, and the deep-rooted bond between the Jewish people and their land.

Origins and Significance in Jewish Law

Tu Bishvat is first mentioned in the Mishnah as one of the four "New Years" in the Jewish calendar:

"There are four New Years: The first of Nisan is the New Year for kings and festivals. The first of Elul is the New Year for tithing animals. Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Shimon say it is on the first of Tishrei. The first of Tishrei is the New Year for years, for Sabbatical years, for Jubilees, for planting, and for vegetables. The first of Shevat is the New Year for trees, according to Beit Shammai. Beit Hillel says it is on the fifteenth of Shevat." (Mishnah, Rosh Hashanah 1:1)

This date was established because, by mid-winter, most of the annual rainfall in the Land of Israel has already occurred, nourishing the soil for new growth (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 14a). The holiday primarily concerns agricultural laws related to tithing fruit and other mitzvot that apply to trees in the Land of Israel.

Tithing and Agricultural Laws

The Torah commands that a portion of agricultural produce be set aside for various purposes, including priestly gifts and support for the poor. The laws of tithing include:

• Maaser Rishon (First Tithe) – 10% of the harvest given to the Levites.
• Maaser Sheni (Second Tithe) – In years 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the seven-year Shemitta cycle, this tithe was taken to Jerusalem and eaten there.
• Maaser Ani (Tithe for the Poor) – In years 3 and 6, instead of Maaser Sheni, this portion was given directly to the poor.

The halachic significance of Tu Bishvat is that any fruit that blossoms before the 15th of Shevat belongs to the previous year's tithing cycle, while fruit that blossoms after this date is considered part of the new year’s cycle. As stated in the Mishneh Torah:

"One may not separate tithes from the fruit of one year for the fruit of another year... Tu Bishvat is the New Year for tree tithes." (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Terumot 5:11)

This distinction ensures that each year’s produce is tithed correctly, and it plays a crucial role in observing mitzvot dependent on agriculture in the Land of Israel.

Spiritual and Mystical Aspects of Tu Bishvat

In Jewish mysticism, Tu Bishvat is associated with the process of spiritual growth and renewal. The Kabbalists of Safed in the 16th century, led by Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal), developed a Tu Bishvat Seder. This practice, described in the text Pri Etz Hadar, includes eating symbolic fruits, drinking four cups of wine (progressing from white to red to symbolize the changing seasons), and meditating on the spiritual significance of nature.

One central mystical teaching states that just as trees draw sustenance from deep roots, so too must Jews remain spiritually rooted in Torah and mitzvot:

"Man is [compared to] the tree of the field" (Deuteronomy 20:19)

Kabbalists interpreted this verse as a metaphor for human growth—by cultivating strong foundations in faith and mitzvot, a person can produce good deeds and spiritual "fruit."

Customs and Observances

Eating Fruits of the Land of Israel

A key custom on Tu Bishvat is eating fruits, particularly from the "Seven Species" for which the Land of Israel is praised:

"A land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." (Deuteronomy 8:8)

It is customary to recite the blessing:

"Baruch Atah Hashem, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Borei Pri Ha'etz" ("Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.")

If one eats a fruit for the first time that season, they also recite the Shehecheyanu blessing:

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion."

Planting Trees in Israel

Tree planting is a central aspect of Tu Bishvat, rooted in biblical and rabbinic teachings. The Midrash states:

"When you enter the land, you shall plant all kinds of fruit trees..." (Leviticus 19:23)

The act of planting trees is considered an expression of love for the Land of Israel and a fulfillment of the mitzvah of settling the land (yishuv ha’aretz). Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai taught:

"If you have a sapling in your hand and someone tells you the Messiah has come, first plant the sapling, then go to greet him." (Avot DeRabbi Natan 31b)

In modern times, this tradition has been revived by the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which has planted millions of trees throughout Israel.

Omitting Tachanun in Prayers

Due to its semi-festive nature, Tachanun (prayers of repentance) is omitted from the daily service on Tu Bishvat, as noted in Jewish legal texts:

"We do not recite Tachanun on Tu Bishvat because it is a joyous occasion." (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 131:6)

Tu Bishvat in Modern Times

In contemporary Israel, Tu Bishvat has taken on an environmental significance. It serves as an "Earth Day" of sorts, promoting ecological awareness, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture. Schools and communities organize tree-planting events, and many Jews worldwide donate to tree-planting initiatives in Israel.

Conclusion

Tu Bishvat is much more than a "New Year for Trees"—it is a holiday that connects Jewish agricultural law, Kabbalistic traditions, and modern environmental awareness. From the laws of tithing to the mystical Tu Bishvat Seder, from tree planting in Israel to reciting special blessings, this minor holiday carries profound significance. Whether celebrated through religious observance, environmental activism, or simply enjoying the fruits of the Land of Israel, Tu Bishvat remains a beautiful testament to the Jewish people’s enduring connection to their land, faith, and future.