Tu B’Shvat

On Tu B’Shvat we give praise to the fruits of Eretz Yisrael. It is also a significant date in the Jewish calendar in terms of תרומות ומעשרות, our laws of tithing.

We view our fruit trees to see if they have sprouted buds at this time of year. If they have, the tithing applies to the previous year. If they have not, the trees are counted for the coming year. This will tell us which specific tithes apply in a given year. For example, there is מעשר עני for the poor in years three and six of the cycle, or מעשר שני during the other years.

On Tu B’Shvat we are to pray for a beautiful Etrog next Succot.

The Baal Shem Tov said the word, אתרוג, is an acronym for אל תביאני רגל גאווה, that we should not be brought to an inkling of arrogance.

Somehow the message of Tu B’ Shvat is to remain humble and appreciate Hashem’s abundant gifts.