Of all the things in this world to have their own New Year, what makes trees so different that they need to have their own New Year? And even if they do require their own New Year, why can’t it be at the same time as our New Year? Why does it need to be on its own, and in Shvat?

In order to explain this, we need to take a closer look at trees, and what they might represent. Unlike most vegetation, fruits don’t grow from the ground directly, but a bark must first develop, from which branches grow, from which fruit grow. While all of this is going on, the roots beneath the ground are firmly establishing themselves, and offer sturdy support for the tree, branches and fruits that grow from them. This unique cycle has many instructive qualities that we can duplicate. To grow and enjoy the “fruits’ of being a Jew, we must also first develop a strong “bark”, or support network, to always have as a source of information, education and tradition. Once we have a “bark”, we can then grow our own branches, representing our own unique performances of those laws and traditions. While we all develop these networks of support and unique Jewish identity, our roots are being spread beneath us without us realizing it, so that our society, offspring and the world can benefit from our growth and development.

But the most beautiful analogy we see from Tu B’shvat is the time of year when it’s celebrated. Of all the times to appreciate the wonders of the tree cycle, we celebrate it during winter, far from the “peak” of a tree’s aesthetic life. The lesson is to develop as a Jew, just like the tree, and not to care about looking good in the process.