“… that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” –Isaiah 61:3
History: My first celebration! Tu Bishvat, also known as the New Year of the Trees, or Israeli Arbor Day, is a minor Jewish holiday that was celebrated this year on January 16th. Tu Bishvat, written about in the Mishna (a book on Jewish Law from the second century), was a day when produce could be collected for taxes from the trees. Produce could only be collected for taxes from the trees once trees were four years old. The first harvest from each tree was also brought to the temple and was called the “first fruits” offering. After the Temple of Herod was destroyed, the Jews continued to celebrate this holiday in one respect by eating a special seder, or meal, on this day that consists of seven fruits mentioned in the Old Testament: barley, figs, pomegranate, grapes, wheat, dates, and olives. In 1948, when Israel’s dream of statehood was finally realized, this holiday celebration became a national custom celebrating spring, the rebirth of Israel, and the beautification of the land. Now, it is customary to eat the special seder, recite blessings, and, of course, plant trees.
Scriptures: I love trees and as I started to think about instances of trees being used as symbols in the scriptures, I was overwhelmed! Also, in the Mormon Church, families are very important, and symbol of ancestors being your roots and descendants being your branches is a common metaphor. What all of these stories seem to have in common, though, is that trees are a strong and sturdy plant, and that is how God wants us to be, strong in our faith, ourselves, our families and in our determination to become like Him. One of my favorite passages in the Book of Mormon talks about how acquiring faith is like planting a seed:
“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.” (Alma 32:28)
My celebration: Finally, the thing I decided to do for this holiday is to plant a tree, of course! I wanted to plant something native and with the help of my friend and neighbor, I planted two Texas Grapefruit seeds. Since both of these are from seed, it will be awhile before I see anything, but someday, there will be two new trees in the world and that brings me a lot of happiness. Happy Tu Bishvat!
Sources: Hirsh, Jody (2001). Tastes of Jewish Tradition. Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center: Milkwaukee. http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Winter_Holidays/Tu_B_shevat/tu_b_shevat.html http://www.religionnews.com/2014/01/21/photo-slideshow-jewish-youth-celebrate-new-year-trees/
http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/2013-2014