Editor’s note: Rabbi David Sirull of Adas Yeshurun explains a little known Jewish holiday, Tu B’shvat in this guest column.
Synagogue On Feb. 5, Jewish people celebrate a lesser-known festival called Tu B’shvat, also known as the Jewish Arbor Day or the New Year of Trees.
Opinion
Yes, the Bible is slap full of verses pertaining to trees. Even all the way back to the Garden of Eden we read about trees. And what would Noah have built the Ark with if not for trees? Come to think of it, the sacred Torah scrolls in our sanctuaries are housed in arks that are made of wood. Furthermore, synagogues are currently reading the story of Pharaoh’s chariots chasing the Hebrews, and what do you think those chariots were made of? We recently read about Moses fulfilling his promise to take the remains of Joseph out of Egypt. Surely, his casket was made of wood.
Once we made it to the other side of the sea, songs were sung, and the women of Israel played musical instruments. Wood is the main part of many an instrument, and most musicians know that as the wood ages, if it is cared for properly, like a fine wine, it resonates more with age.
By the way, this week we also read about God showing Moses a tree that had the power to turn bitter waters into clear, healthy, drinkable water.
As this year’s Tu B’shvat is coming, we are living in a sea of bitter waters. We are living in a divided world, and we are living in a divided country. Many are fearful that we will not be able to make it through such a dark period.
Interestingly, we always celebrate this New Year of Trees in the middle of winter in the United States and Israel. It is not a time when the trees are in full bloom, nor is it a time when they have a lot of fruit to show. But sometimes, we have to look beyond what the eye can see because if we were to look below the surface, we would find that the tree has begun to take root and is preparing to sprout and to blossom and produce new fruit.
So, as for those who are shaking like a tree in the midst of a storm, don’t despair. It is in moments like this when things look their darkest that true growth occurs. Remember this old song? “Dark clouds are gonna clear up, put on a happy face, spread sunshine all over the place, just put on a happy face.” That might sound rather idealistic because we all know that it’s going to take a lot more than a happy face to bring about the changes that need to be made to get beyond the issues that cause the strife that exists today.
In ancient times, there were 12 tribes that crossed the Red Sea, each with a different perspective. Today, in the United States, we are basically two parties and immensely divided on points of view. It seems that only when we are attacked by terrorists do we tend to become united. We all seem to forget that there are many different kinds of trees out there. In the spirit of this upcoming holiday, I submit that each tree, whatever type it may be, serves an important purpose. May the trees that we plant this year, physically and spiritually, be planted with love and hope.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
