As the few weeks of our “winter” chill give way to mild, sunny days in Tucson, we have the opportunity to celebrate trees, plant seeds and try new fruits as we celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the New Year for Trees.
Growing up in Connecticut, I remember my mother hosting an elaborate Tu B’Shvat Seder every year. I would look out our big window facing our backyard and see frozen ground, sometimes snow, and always trees without leaves or buds on them. I imagined what it might be like to live in Israel where the ground was thawing and spring was beginning. Today, my family loves living in Tucson in our warmer climate, a bit more similar to Israel.
The holiday of Tu B’Shvat has its origins in the ancient agricultural traditions of Israel. It marked the time when trees would begin to bloom, symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a celebration of environmental awareness, a time to plant trees and appreciate the fruits of the land and our connection to it.
Tu B’Shvat serves as a reminder that even in arid conditions, life flourishes, a symbol for us to know that we too are resilient when we are connected to the earth and to each other. Our native trees — the mesquite, palo verde, and ironwood — demonstrate strength and sustainability, making them perfect symbols for the holiday’s themes.
Tu B’Shvat is more than one day of honoring our trees and agriculture. The holiday serves as a yearly time to reconnect with our earth and our community. By celebrating in Tucson, we learn from the resilience of the desert and strive to make the world a kinder, greener, healthier place.
This year, let’s embrace the lessons of Tu B’Shvat and make Tucson a little greener, one celebration at a time.
