Tu BiShvat seder

PikiWiki Israel 5195 Seder Tu BShvat 2007

== Tu BiShvat Seder ==

The Tu BiShvat Seder is a Jewish ritual that celebrates the New Year for Trees (Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot) on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. This celebration is part of the holiday of Tu BiShvat, which has its origins in the Mishnaic period and has evolved over time to include various customs and traditions.

Historical Background

The origins of the Tu BiShvat Seder can be traced back to the Kabbalists of Safed in the 16th century. These Jewish mystics developed a special liturgy for Tu BiShvat that included the consumption of fruits and nuts, symbolic of the Tree of Life. The Seder was inspired by the Passover Seder and includes four cups of wine, each representing different aspects of the natural world.

Structure of the Seder

The Tu BiShvat Seder typically consists of four parts, each associated with a different type of fruit and a different level of spiritual awareness. The four parts are:

1. **Fruits with inedible shells**: These fruits, such as pomegranates and walnuts, symbolize the physical world and the protection it provides.
2. **Fruits with inedible pits**: Examples include dates and olives. These fruits represent the emotional world and the inner core of a person.
3. **Fruits that are entirely edible**: Such as figs and grapes, these fruits symbolize the intellectual world and the unity of thought and action.
4. **Fruits that are entirely inedible**: These are not typically consumed but are used to represent the spiritual world and the hidden aspects of existence.

Each part of the Seder is accompanied by the drinking of a cup of wine, starting with white wine and gradually mixing in red wine until the final cup is entirely red. This progression symbolizes the changing seasons and the cycle of growth and renewal.

Customs and Practices

During the Tu BiShvat Seder, participants read from a special Haggadah, which includes Torah verses, Talmudic teachings, and Kabbalistic meditations. The Seder also involves singing songs, reciting blessings, and discussing the significance of trees and nature in Jewish tradition.

The Seder is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and the connection between humans and the natural world. It is also a time to enjoy the bounty of the land of Israel, as many of the fruits consumed are those traditionally associated with the region.

Modern Observance

In contemporary times, the Tu BiShvat Seder has gained popularity among Jews around the world, particularly among those involved in the Jewish Renewal and Reconstructionist movements. It is often celebrated in conjunction with environmentalism and sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the Jewish commitment to protecting the planet.

See Also

• Tu BiShvat
• Kabbalah
• Passover Seder
• Jewish holidays
• Environmentalism in Judaism