The New Year For Trees

When was the last time you wished a tree a Happy New Year?

This year, on Thursday, February 13th, you’ll have the perfect opportunity! It’s Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide.

Of course, it’s the trees that are celebrating—but we celebrate right along with them! The Torah teaches, “Man is a tree of the field.” Like trees, we are deeply rooted in our heritage, stretching back to Abraham and Sarah. We reach toward the heavens while staying firmly grounded, and when we grow in the right way, we produce sweet fruit—our good deeds—that benefit the world.

Since Tu B’Shevat is the New Year for Trees, it’s only natural that trees take this time for reflection—just as people do on Rosh Hashanah.

🌱 Did I shelter the young seedlings in my shade, helping them grow into the next generation?
☀️ Did I stretch toward the sun, striving for higher goals and spiritual growth?
🌿 Did I keep my roots strong in nourishing soil, giving back by enriching the earth that sustains me?
🍎 Did I produce sweet fruit, leaving those around me better off and full of joy?
💨 Did I bend with the wind, accepting life’s challenges with resilience and hope?
🌳 Did I grow in wisdom and strength with each passing year?

Come to think of it, this checklist works for us humans too!

A Celebration of Fruits and Blessings

Tu B’Shevat is a time to enjoy nature’s bounty, particularly the special fruits of Israel—olives, dates, grapes, figs, and pomegranates. We always begin by reciting a blessing, expressing gratitude for these divine creations:

Blessing for fruit:
“Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam borei pri ha-aitz.”

If it’s the first time eating that fruit this season, we also say:
“Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-noi E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v’ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh.”

Wishing all our friends and neighbors a Happy Tu B’Shevat! May our trees—and our lives—continue to grow strong and fruitful!