Dear Friend,
There are so many special days on the Jewish calendar, and it’s often the case that the ones we know the least about are those that can make biggest difference in our spiritual lives.
Take 15 Shevat, the “New Year for Trees,” which we celebrate this week from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening. It’s a fascinating holiday, with a wealth of Torah material related to the planting and harvesting of trees, and filled with beautiful, traditional, mystical customs. We enjoy a feast of fruits, and who can turn away from a new opportunity to eat great food with family and friends in a special spiritual setting?
But there is so much more to the day than that. The Torah refers to the human being as a tree. The Torah itself is called “The Tree of Life.” We’re told that when Moshiach comes—may it be soon—the trees themselves will join in the celebrating: “For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
There is so much to discover about 15 Shevat on Chabad.org. Come celebrate with us.
Yaakov Ort,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
P.S. What do you love most about 15 Shevat? Share with us!
