Yesterday, I attended a small Jewish community gathering in Amsterdam to celebrate Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees. We sat around a table filled with fruits and cheese, sharing thoughts about the meaning of the festival. As with many Jewish holidays, it was easy to feel inspired by the words of others. But one message, shared by the leader of the service, stood out to me. It was something so powerful that I felt it deserved a place in an IJAR blog.
One of the central themes of Tu Bishvat is the tree. Trees sustain life by providing oxygen, shade, and shelter. But beyond their physical role, they carry deep symbolism in Judaism. A tree has roots, firmly planted in the ground, connecting it to its origins. Yet, as it grows, it stretches toward the sky, expanding, flourishing, and providing for others.
This is much like our own Jewish identity. We grow wiser with time, but we remain deeply connected to our roots—our history, traditions, and ancestors who journeyed from Egypt and beyond. No matter how much we evolve, our foundation remains unchanged, anchoring us in a story that spans thousands of years. Just as a tree’s roots support its branches and leaves, our Jewish heritage serves as the foundation that allows us to give, teach, and support those around us.
Giving and Growing
Tu Bishvat is also a time of giving. The leader of our discussion pointed out how trees give so much—fruit, shade, wood, and oxygen—without expecting anything in return. Similarly, in Jewish tradition, we emphasize tzedakah (charity) and helping others. Like trees, as we grow, we should aim to contribute more to those around us, whether through kindness, wisdom, or generosity.
Time and Growth
Another important lesson from Tu Bishvat is the role of time in personal growth. When we plant seeds, they don’t bloom overnight. It takes seasons of care, nourishment, and patience for a tree to bear fruit. Our own growth works the same way. We evolve through life’s different seasons, learning from experiences, struggles, and joys. A plant might grow and wither within a year, but a tree stands tall for decades, gaining strength and giving more as time passes.
In the same way, our Jewish journey is lifelong. We absorb knowledge, strengthen our values, and share what we’ve learned. The longer we grow, the more we can support, inspire, and uplift others—just as a tree becomes a source of life for those around it.
This message from Tu Bishvat is something I will carry with me. Our roots keep us grounded, our branches allow us to reach new heights, and our growth enables us to give more to the world.
May we all continue to grow, give, and stay connected to our roots.
-Harrison on behalf of IJAR
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