Evergreen

In Jewish mystical thought, the Tu Bishvat seder became a time to atone for sexual impropriety by blessing, eating and meditating on the symbolism of fruit.

Lessons from the Torah

The Biblical law protecting fruit trees during war provides an opportunity for Jewish exegetes to reflect on ecology and the wanton destruction of life.

Trees were viewed in both economic and symbolic terms by the rabbis of talmudic times.

The Jewish birthday for the trees has gone through several phases of historical development.

As Jews reclaimed the land long celebrated by Tu Bishvat and revived Jewish life on it, the holiday was again transformed.

The 15th of Shvat is a call to share our wealth.

The Jewish mystics created the Tu Bishvat seder.

Although priests cannot have any contact with death, exceptions are made for their immediate relatives.

Smaller but more committed, the movement is seeing vibrant, sometimes divisive debate as it navigates between tradition and change.