On Tuesday eve, February 7th and Wednesday, February 8th, we observe the holiday of Tu Batch, the New Year for the Trees. It is a time we acknowledge the blessings of G-d for the delicious fruits that begin to grow and provide us with its nourishments.

But it is a time to ponder as well. Each fruit contains seeds which allows future fruits to be produced on an annual basis.

The observance of Tu Batch allows us to reflect about our own spiritual seeds. Are we participating in this world to provide additional seeds of well-being to mankind or allow ourselves to be stagnant? If our individual seeds add to the spiritual productivity of this G-d giving universe, then we accomplish the meaning of Tu Batch.

The Jewish people have thrived because of our ancestors who did not allow the grafting of our spiritual seeds but perpetuate them from generation to generation.

Our spiritual institutions are our trees. Our nourishing waters are to be sure that our seeds do not change but become more productive.

Start with a breach and G-d will do the rest.

Happy 15th of S'hvat.