The root of the Hebrew word shevet can mean either a branch of a tree or a tribe (a large family). The same root as the name of this new month of Shvat. This is why the lunar calendar month of Shvat (with periodic solar adjustments) heralds the end of darkness and the beginning of spring – of rebirth, growth and development – with the New Year for trees on the 15th of the month. [This Jewish year is a leap year, with an extra month, so it still feels wintry].
According to Jewish law, the 15th of Shvat is the new year for Bikurim (the first fruits). These “first fruit” of the trees, coming after the dark winter season, were then brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as a gift to G-d. Since we know that all comes from G-d, we acknowledge this by returning a symbolic part to Him. Then, rather than being burned on the holy Altar like other offerings, this bounty was shared with the Kohanim (priests).
We live in challenging times. As I write, Israel has stopped entry to visitors from most parts of the world. Existential threats exist on each of our borders. How to grow and sprout new strong fruit in these times?
Rabbi Avraham Twerski z”l asked, “Who told you that life is supposed to be easy?” Life is all about overcoming our challenges in a positive way.
This is one of my favorite stories.
One day a father and his son were walking in their garden. The boy saw a caterpillar on a bush. They stood fascinated to see how it moved and ate. Over the next few days, they would routinely see the caterpillar on their walk.
One morning, they found that the caterpillar was gone and in its place was a cocoon. “Oh”, the father told his son, “This is so exciting. The caterpillar is inside the cocoon and will soon be a beautiful butterfly.”
The next day, the cocoon was moving. They watched as the butterfly struggled to break through. The son looked at his father and said, “Dad. Please, let’s help the butterfly out of the cocoon.”
“Son, there is a reason the butterfly is struggling to get out of the cocoon.” But the boy didn’t like seeing the butterfly struggle. When his father was not around, thinking he was helping the butterfly, he cut the cocoon.
Next day, they found the butterfly sitting on the branch, unable to fly because of it weak wings.
The father realized that the boy had cut the cocoon and asked if he was curious as to why the butterfly’s wings were so weak and flimsy. “Do you remember me telling you that sometimes struggle is necessary?”
The father explained, “When a butterfly is in a cocoon, it is held very tight. It must fight and struggle to break out to freedom. As the butterfly fights and struggles, his wings become stronger until they are strong enough for flight.
The butterfly that has been helped out of the cocoon will never fly, because his wings aren’t strong enough to support him.
There is the inner reason for all of our struggles and growing pains.
First fruits and the effort they entail are symbolic that light can overcome darkness.
May the fruits of the Tu BiShvat seder sweeten our journey.
acronym for ”We should share good news”.
May this be the month that we hear the ultimate good news of the redemption.
Wishing you a sweet new month, Shaul.