A Mystical Time of Change

It may still be frigid outside, but your body, the trees, and the earth itself can feel that we’re entering a mystical time of change.

This month is the invisible beginning of springtime rebirth. The sap begins to rise in the trees. Energy starts to move slowly underground. You, too, are part of this transforming earth. Shvat is the time to start drawing on all the inner work we’ve done in the past few months.

The Birthday of the Trees

Tu B’Shvat, also called the “Birthday of the Trees,” arrives on the full moon of this month. For Jews, Tu B’Shvat is one of the most joyous times of the year. On this day, we express gratitude for some of the oldest and most majestic life forms on the planet. You can even hold a Tu B’Shvat Seder!

Trees are a powerful symbol in Judaism. In Proverbs (the collection of biblical wisdom written by King Solomon), the Torah is called the Tree of Life.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who hold fast to her, and all who cling to her find happiness.
— Proverbs 3:17–18

Isn’t that a remarkable metaphor for our sacred text? Trees inspire awe with their tranquil existence, their beauty, and the magnitude of their life-sustaining power.

Nourish Yourself for the Journey

While we’re thinking of trees — source of foods like pomegranates, persimmons, and pecans — Shvat is a great time to do some digging into your feelings about food.

Jewish tradition is big on bringing intentionality to our food. That means considering what we eat, how we grow our crops, and the relationships we develop with what, how, when, and with whom we eat. There’s so much to unpack here so we can care for ourselves and stay nourished. What’s your relationship to nature, and trees? Think about how it can be nourishing to ground in mother nature. There’s a journey ahead!

Awaken to Infinite Potential

Last month, Tevet, was a “dark night of the soul” for many of us. But in Shvat, it’s time to awaken to the infinite potential of your existence.

Everything in nature, including humans, lives in cycles of birth and death and rebirth. Letting your leaves fall creates space for new beginnings. Remember, even absence can feed us. When we let go of what we no longer need, when we let it decompose and nourish us in new ways, even more potential can come forth. Shvat is the time to plant in that compost-rich soil. To plan.

What will you get going this Shvat? What are you planting now?