Happy New Year! That’s right, this evening at sundown marks one of four New Years listed in the Mishna, in Tractate Rosh HaShanah, considered the New Year for trees. The name, is actually a date in Hebrew, the first “word” Tu being formed by the Hebrew letters טו (teth and vav) representing the numerical value of 15, and Shevat is the name of the month. So, the holiday is celebrated on the 15th of Shevat, hence the name. It has been associated with the beginning of the agricultural year and is heralded as a time to advance Eco / Environmental awareness.
We at United Israel World Union accept that man’s first task was to “serve and protect” the earth (Genesis 2:15), and thereby encourage our faithful readers to recognize this time as a new beginning of sorts as we approach a time when the coming season of spring will usher in new life. So, from all of us to all of you – Happy New Years for Trees!
The photo is of the ancient Jujube tree that stands majestically at Biblical Tamar Park as a witness to the history of this fascinating place. This tree is considered one of the oldest in the land of Israel. For more about Biblical Tamar Park, visit Blossoming Rose on the web.