Yesterday we celebrated Tu B'Shevat (15th of Shevat), the Jewish New Year for the Trees.
Yes you heard right, smack in the middle of the Winter we are celebrating a new year for the trees.
The Talmud explains that the reason for this celebration, is to mark four months into the rainy season in the Land of Israel, and the beginning of the season of growth.
Although things may actually only start to visibly grow when the Spring actually starts, the Talmud states that we mark the time in the year, since the nutrients and water have fully saturated the ground, and the process of growth can begin to happen once again.
Indeed, according to modern research, tree roots can continue to grow at a slow pace even during the height of the winter and are still busy doing their job at providing the required nutrients to the tree and preparing it for a new season of growth.
So yes, when all that snow is covering the trees, there is still life happening under the white snow. Nutrients are moving, roots may be expanding and the trees may be sending moisture into dead cells so that the healthy cells don't get damaged from frost.
Don't be fooled by the shedding of the leaves and lack of external growth, for in truth there is a lot more happening beneath the surface.
In Judaism, humans are compared to trees for so many reasons. Strong roots hold up the tree, the trees need nurturing and sometimes need to be pruned, they need nutrients and water, and of course we hope that they make the world better through their presence and their fruit.
Sometimes though, we seem to be covered in snow and experiencing a deep and thick winter. But don't let that fool you, for It is during these times when so many critical elements continue to happen in a trees life so that it is prepared for the next season of growth and productivity. As that happens it also learns to deal with the elements of nature and the harsh storms that come its way.
So as we celebrate Tu B'Shevat, let us take some time to think not only of the trees themsleves, but also of the human tree which we each represent and especially the ones we have been entrusted with to nurture. Let us make sure that every human tree has the nutrients that it needs, has strong and healthy roots, and are well on the way to bring forth fruit and help make the world a tastier and better place.
Happy Tu B'Shevat and looking forward to a time when everyone's tree can reveal their full potential and beautify the world with their unique colors, roots, trunks, leaves and fruit.
Good Shabbos & Shabbat Shalom
Yisroel