Sunday night begins Tu b’Shevat (literally, “15th of Shevat”). In our tradition, Tu b’Shevat is the birthday of trees.
Now that seems so implausible, celebrating the “birth” of trees in February, when the average temperature is in the mid-40s. But it is.
Because in Israel — exactly at this time — the trees begin to awaken from their winter hibernation and start to bloom. All over Israel this coming week, almond trees will announce the start of spring by displaying the beautiful white and pink almond blossoms.
And our tradition celebrates this moment.
Why?
All one needs to do is to look at the changing weather patterns in our area and around the world — and note the effects such climate changes have already had on us — increased ferocity of hurricanes, of forest fires, of droughts, flooding, excessive heat ... we all know the litany of catastrophes that our planet suffers — and we are made painfully aware how fragile our environment is.
Judaism recognizes the precarious nature of humanity’s “stewardship” over the land — that balancing act between using the resources of this planet to grow our societies and the obligation to protect the planet for future generations. And today, with all the dire warnings how climate change — as a result of our human actions — is radically altering our planet and (therefore) our ability to sustain ourselves .. .maybe it is a good thing that we pause and consider the gifts that nature gives to us?
It is not by accident the rabbis talked about Tu b’Shevat being a “birthday” of the trees. Consider a birthday party. It is a day to celebrate an individual’s growth, to shower that person with love and affection, to help that individual feel appreciated, to let her or him know that s/he matters.
Maybe not a bad idea for us and our environment (represented by our “trees”): to spend a moment recognizing the importance that our world holds for our survival ... and our commitment to protect and “appreciate” it.
We are not in Israel. And this time of year our trees here are often covered with snow and ice and far from ready to bloom. But it is not too early to acknowledge our dependency on our environment and our need to protect it .. .to shower it with “love and affection”... on this birthday of our trees!
Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff is senior rabbi at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
