Celebrate

A well-known story that weaves together Tu Bishvat, tree-planting and the rebuilding of Israel

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

The Jewish mystics created the Tu Bishvat seder.

Contemporary Jews have adapted traditional Shabbat practices in non-traditional and sometimes surprising ways.

In modern times, non-Orthodox Jews have largely abandoned Shabbat observance, despite many innovations intended to encourage it.

The masters of Kabbalah explained all of the elements of the Sabbath rituals as a consistent thematic drama of the reunion of the Shekhinah the Sabbath bride, with her mate--and in so doing exerted considerable influence on the shape of those rituals.

The Rabbis used requirements and prohibitions to shape a Shabbat experience in which creative activity is set aside to make time for matters of the spirit. Second of two parts.