Today, we are filled with gratitude for the rescue of the hostages at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.
Tonight, we celebrate TU B’Shvat, the New Year of the trees. According to the Mishna (Rosh HaShanah 1:1), this is the day when we determine the tithe of produce from the trees. Later, in the Gemara, the rabbis explain that this is the day when the sap starts moving again inside the trees, heralding the renewal of the seasons. During this bleak moment in the winter our tradition reassures us that spring is just around the corner.
There are a few traditions to celebrate this holiday, and I will share two that you might want to do this evening.
Four Cups of Wine/Grape Juice
We will drink four cups of wine/grape juice, changing the color slowly, celebrating the passage of the seasons.
First: White wine—we celebrate the renewal of trees, the moment when the hope for warmth in the midst of winter begins in our souls, and the sap starts moving inside the trees.
Second: Pink wine—as we say goodbye to winter we welcome the new buds appearing on the trees, the possibilities of renewal that are revealing themselves to us now.
Third: Light red wine—we celebrate the arrival of spring, the colors and the concrete paths that will be clear to us as we move into new scenarios.
Fourth: Dark red wine—we are filled with gratitude for the explosion of colors and tastes of summer, the enjoyment of the fruits of our labors.
The Four Universes and the Four Kinds of Experiences
Another celebration of TU B’Shvat is the celebration of the four universes that are the definition of our encounter with the Eternal Energy of the world. We tap into the energy of these universes during different moments, when they are needed. On TU B’shvat we experience fruits and spices to remind us that the Energy is there whenever we need to focus on one or another aspect of our lives.
1. Olam HaAssiah—The Universe of Actualization/Concretization—Fruit with shells
This is the universe where things happen, where potentialities are fulfilled. As we eat fruit with shells (such as pomegranates or oranges) or nuts, we focus our attention on the function of shells in our daily live. The shells protect our souls in everyday activity, where we have the potential of doing, making, and where we need protection, so we are not vulnerable to unkind criticism, indifference, and/or spiritual violence.
The shells can also be an impediment to full connection with God and with other living beings. Boundaries are important as they allow us to be productive in the world, yet they can be detrimental to our relationships if they are too rigid. When we eat these kinds of fruit we dedicate ourselves to piercing through the hard exterior shell so we can allow the Divine Sparks in ourselves to shine, allow God’s energies to revive our souls, and trust that the shell will be there when we need the protection they provide.
2. Olam HaYetzirah—The Universe of Formation—Fruit with pits
This universe is where we design the steps to achieve our goals and our purpose, where creativity is highlighted. Fruit containing hard pits remind us of all the potential that is dormant in a human being, everything that can be achieved and done by each of us. Pits are also a reminder of how attached we are to the natural environment. The soil from which we are formed receives the pits/seeds, and the water which is the largest part of every organism propels the seed to germinate in the soil. We are tied to this world, part of the natural cycles, nurtured by and responsible for Creation. When we eat fruit with pits we commit to revealing our creative spirit while protecting the Divinity inside of us.
3. Olam HaBeriah—The Universe of Creation—Entirely Edible Fruit
This universe helps us start to focus our consciousness and intellect on new possibilities. Fruit that is entirely edible reminds us of those moments when we feel God’s presence intensely, when we are secure enough in the relationships we have so that nothing needs to be hidden, from God, from people, or from ourselves. As we eat the entirely edible fruit we celebrate closeness and the acknowledgement of the fact that every living thing is connected to each other and to God.
4. Olam HaAtzilut—The Universe of Emanation/Closeness—The Beautiful Smell of Spices
This universe is hidden from our full understanding, since all its creative powers are unfocused. Therefore, we smell sweet spices, an experience that is not visually concrete. As we smell fragrant spices we are reminded of the ephemeral nature of deep spirituality, the moments after a great connection with the Divine, when we can acknowledge and still feel the aftermath of the encounter, but we are not immersed in it anymore. The spices color our world, helping us revive our spiritual memories, and require us to commit to the experiences that allow for complete intimacy with the Divine.
I wish you a wonderful TU B’Shvat, filled with peace, health, and love.