TU B’SHEVAT

 

TU B’SHEVAT

On Sunday evening we celebrated Tu B’Shevat.  Tu B’Shevat is the time that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings.

The Kabbalists in 16th century Tzfat, who originated the Seder, gave a prominent place to almonds in their Tu B’Shevat celebration.  Almond trees were believed to be the first of all trees in Israel to blossom. Carob, also known as bokser or St. John’s bread, is another popular fruit to eat on Tu B’Shevat.  Carob could survive the long trip from Israel to Jewish communities in Europe where its popularity began. It is still true today.  “Bokser” comes from the German Bockshornbaum, which means “ram’s horn tree.”  Bokser is a seed pod that resembles a dark horn.  It is a favorite of mine.

Once, many years ago I had reason to visit a coal mining operation in Harlan County, Kentucky.  For this visit I stayed at a Holiday Inn in nearby Middlesboro and bought my food at the local Kroger’s super market.  While making my selections I was amazed to see a bunch of bokser and I purchased a handful.  The clerk at the check-out wanted to know what this strange looking item was and I filled her in.  This part of Kentucky was not what one would call “Jew-Acres”.  You would have to travel hours to Louisville or Lexington to find a substantial Jewish population.  For me finding bokser in Middleboro served as a reminder that Hashem was looking out for me, no matter where events would take me.

On Sunday evening in Nahariya I celebrated Tu B’Shevat at a Seder with 20 or so local Anglo guys.  There was lots of fresh fruit, the special seven fruits and grains of Israel, and the fruits and nuts that represent the mystical four worlds of Kabbalah. A ritual involving red and white wine took place. We celebrated tree planting and greenery, and the environment with song and poetry and special readings. And since we are guys there was beer, whiskey, potato pancakes and buffalo wings. Not to be outdone, 35 Anglo women from the community did likewise. 

It was a grand evening showing gratitude to the Creator for what He has given us and what we have.