Tu BiSh’vat teaches us profound lessons about faith and growth. Like the dormant trees in winter, our spiritual journey may seem static, but beneath the surface, subtle shifts occur. According to Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, figuring out where we stand in our spiritual journey, our avodas Hashem, is like trying to solve an impossible puzzle in this world. Not knowing exactly where we are spiritually is a significant challenge that we all face. Sometimes, we may feel a brief urge or a sudden desire to get closer to Hashem, but it often seems like nothing really changes. However, in those fleeting moments of yearning, something powerful happens – it’s like a gate opening in the spiritual realms. Hashem responds by giving us a burst of strength, of clarity, and a deep longing to break through anything holding us back, like blocks, fears, doubts, or confusion. This process, triggered by even the smallest moments of yearning, becomes a source of empowerment for our spiritual journey, helping us overcome obstacles and realize our spiritual potential.
In our interactions, we may not perceive the impact of our deeds immediately. Just as winter conceals the seeds of spring, our efforts to help others might appear fruitless. However, beneath the surface, seeds are sown, destined to blossom later. The reciprocity of these interactions reveals the intricate tapestry of human connection.
Similarly, personal growth may unfold gradually, with experiences accumulating like hidden seeds. Tu BiSh’vat reminds us that understanding ourselves, Hashem, and life’s workings takes time. The “click” moment, when everything aligns, unveils a greater picture of our journey.
Emunah, faith, underscores Tu BiSh’vat. The winter symbolism of “choref” aligns with the sowing of seeds, symbolizing strength and prosperity. Celebrating amidst winter’s apparent dormancy reinforces the belief that beneath life’s surface, seeds of growth persist. Tu BiSh’vat teaches us to trust in the unseen, realizing that what appears lifeless may harbor the potential for vibrant life and fruitful outcomes.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Yaakov Chaim HaLevi ben Chanom
Menachem ben Adele
Chaim Avraham ben Shifrah Zisel
Zalik Zalmonchai ben Irna Imashalom
Moshe David ben Yente Gittel
Tinok ben Orly
Mindel bas Leah
Chayah Neli Nikdam bas Mazal
Odelia bas Mahboobeh Yocheved
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Chanah Brachah bas Tziporah Chayah
Dinah bas Chanah
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Ben Zion Yitzchak ben Ilanah Malkah
Aharon Simchah ben Meirah Ilanah
David ben Rivkah Zlata
Matnia ben Sarah
Yehudah Chaim ben Mina Chayah
Yehudah ben Baila
Shai ben Baila
Ro’i ben Baila
Asaf ben Tamar
Avitar ben Tamar
Elad ben Tamar
Amit Levy ben Dalit
Menachem ben Aliza Esther
Yehoshua ben Aliza Esther
Binyamin ben Chanah
Yoel Tzvi ben Adinah Shoshanah
Moshe Avraham ben Malkah Rivkah
Yosef Rachamim ben Sarah
Binyamin Moshe ben Sarah
Yosef Elyasaf ben Devorah
Menachem Shlomo ben Miriam Tamara
Omer ben Sigal
Moshe David ben Chavah Leah
Shmuel Yonah ben Leah
Yehoshua Hershel ben Chanah
Alexander Gedalia ben Chayah Basyah
Ezra Yisrael ben Chayah Basyah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.