Tu BiShvat is such a fascinating and meaningful holiday that connects us deeply to nature and the rhythms of the world. While not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, it has become a significant day in Jewish tradition, known as Rosh HaShanah LaIlanos (the New Year of the Trees). This marks the time when the sap in trees begins to rise, and nature starts to show signs of renewal and growth. It’s the perfect time to reflect on our own growth and renewal, as well.
The debate between Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel over the date of Tu BiShvat adds a rich layer of tradition. Beis Shamai, always the strict ones, argued that the first of Sh’vat should be the date marking the new year for trees. However, Beis Hillel – known for their more lenient approach – favored the 15th of Sh’vat, the day when the sap starts to flow, indicating the beginning of the new growth cycle. It’s fascinating how the holiday’s observance grew from this debate, showing how even the smallest details in Jewish life are filled with rich discussion and depth.
The holiday is not just about celebrating trees, though that’s certainly part of it. When we eat fruits like figs, dates, pomegranates, and almonds, we are reminded of the Shiv’as HaMinim (the Seven Species), the sacred fruits mentioned in the Torah that represent the Land of Israel. By partaking of these fruits, we acknowledge the land’s beauty and bounty, and we remember that everything we have comes from Hashem.
A particularly poignant aspect of Tu BiShvat is the custom of reciting Shir HaMaalos (the Psalms of Ascent). These 15 psalms, traditionally recited during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, are a symbolic reminder of the spiritual journey we all take. As the Levites ascended the steps to the Beis HaMikdash, we, too, ascend spiritually on this day, rising with our prayers and hopes for renewal. It’s a time for deep reflection, prayer, and connection to the land and Hashem.
So, as we mark Tu BiShvat, let’s remember to reflect on the trees as symbols of our own growth, just as T’hilim (Psalms) show us the path to spiritual ascent. Just as the trees begin their renewal, we, too, can take this time to nurture our own personal growth and connect to Hashem’s creation.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Mordechai ben Masha Yehudis
Ohad ben Esther
Nisan ben Shoshanah
Eitan Avraham ben Efrat
Alon ben Idit
Yosef Chaim ben Chanah Devorah
Heleni Orna bas Chen Chanah
Gilana Chavivah bas Sophie Sarah
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Chanah bas Miriam Perel
Sarka bas Sarah
Tziporah bas Fibi
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Yehoshua ben Aliza Esther
Menachem ben Aliza Esther
Gavriel Efraim ben Chanah Yafah
Netanel Akiva ben Chanah Yafah
Yonatan Ezra ben Chanah Yafah
Chaim Aba Menachem ben Naomi Beila
Daniel Moshe ben Devorah
Chaim Mordechai ben Sarah Ita
Gavriel Yehudah ben Yaakov
Shmuel ben Aharon
Moshe ben Shoshanah Esther
Yehoshua ben Tzvi
Dvir Moshe ben Dinah
Oriel ben Dinah
Dor ben Zehavah
Daniel ben Rachel
Shalev David ben Revital Renanah
Daniel ben Orli
Tal ben Ilana Ilanit
Mordechai Daniel ben Leah Rachel
Yotam ben Efrat Michal
Michael ben Naomi Sarah
Moshe Eliyahu ben Dinah Yehudis
Yosef ben Shlomis
Yosef ben Sarit
Yosef Daniel ben Anat
Yosef Chaim ben Hadassah
Ron ben Ahuvah
Yosef Yechiel Ben-Tzion ben Rivkah Beila
Binyamin Yehudah ben Leah
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.
