The love of nature and trees

The love of nature and trees

Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers | Beth David

I’m most at peace when I’m outside. I love the swell of the ocean waves, the perspective I get on top of a mountain, the beauty of flowering plants, and viewing different kinds of trees. I have a Jacaranda out front. In the late spring, I get a myriad of lavender flowers on the branches and then they fall like ornamental snowflakes onto my driveway. Two years ago, I planted a fig tree in my backyard. Well, in early fall, I got to enjoy some of the soft juicy fruit. It is so good. This must’ve been the fruit that Adam and Eve ate in the Garden of Eden. I don’t know if I gain any wisdom from its sweetness but I certainly do enjoy it.

Taking some time to focus on the beauty of our world helps anchor me. We are living in such stressful times that I find that I need to take breaks from the news, social media, and computer screens. When I’m outside appreciating nature, I feel recharged. This is why I seek opportunities to appreciate the beauty of our world. Fortunately, we have a minor holiday in Judaism that is designed to connect us with nature and more specifically with trees.

On Thursday, January 25, we will celebrate Tu Bishevat, the New Year for the trees. The name is its Hebrew date that translates as the 15th day of Shevat. In the Talmud, the rabbis believed that trees are judged on this day. Hopefully, with enough rainfall, they will blossom in the spring and produce healthy fruit in the summer. The mystics liked to view Tu BiShevat as an opportunity to connect with the changing seasons, fertility, and God. For modern Zionists, it’s a chance to plant a tree in Israel, as our pioneers did, in transforming the desert.

So here’s how I like to celebrate the New Year for the trees. I always plant a tree or two in Israel through the Jewish National Fund. They are $18 and you can do it in honor or memory of anyone, even a beloved pet. You should also be aware that JNF is also helping in relief efforts in Israel along with many other worthy organizations. In addition, I arrange almonds, dried apricots, dates, figs, and olives on my kitchen table to have a taste of Israel. And if I have time, I plant something new on my property. For sure, on Thursday night, January 25, I’ll be gazing at the sky and hopefully seeing the full moon of Shevat.

Planting trees is so important to our world and integral to Judaism itself. In Avot deRabbi Natan we learn that if a sapling is in your hand, and you are told that the Messiah has come, first plant the sapling, then go out to greet the Messiah. In other words, there is nothing more important than taking the time to plant a tree and, by doing so, we root ourselves in the land of Israel and in our tradition.

There is so much beauty in our world. There are so many reasons to celebrate life, our world, and the incredible trees surrounding us. May your Tu Bishevat be delightful, meaningful, and rejuvenating.