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Hadrash Ve-Haiyun
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Hadrash Ve-Haiyun
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Tu B'shvat
5766
Dedicated L’zeicher Nishmas my grandfather
Hagaon Rav Shmuel Dovid Warshavchik zt”l
upon his eighteenth yarzeit
To Dedicate Please Contact: Hadrash Ve-Haiyun
The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 2:1) teaches us that the fifteenth day of shavat is the new year of trees. At first glance these words would lead us to believe that on this day the trees of the field are in full bloom. However, we are well aware that this not true. The fifteenth of shavat falls in the middle of the winter when the trees exhibit no signs of life or renewal whatsoever. What then is the nature of the new year?
Chazal explain that the renewal is hidden. We have a tradition that on this day sap develops within the tree to a degree where its potential to produce fruit is complete.
Another example of the hidden nature may be noted in the fact that this day is exactly thirty days before Purim. A holiday casts its influence thirty days before its calendar date. For example, we are obligated to study the laws relevant to a holiday thirty days before its arrival. The theme of Purim is one of hidden miracles, thus the first manifestation of the hidden workings of Hashem can be sensed on Tu B’shvat.
The commentators also explain that the focus of Tu B’shvat is man. A tree is a symbol of man, “For the man is the tree of the field.” (Devarim 20:19).
When Moshe sent spies to inspect Eretz Yisroel,he instructed them to determine “does it have trees or not.” (Bamidbar 13:20). Rashi explains that Moshe asked the spies to see if the land had a righteous individual who would protect them in his merit. If such an individual was present the Jewish people would not be able to conquer the land at that time. Chazal tell us that this man was Iyov (Bava Basra 15a). Moshe wanted to know if he was still alive.
A righteous individual is compared to a tree. Just as a tree casts it shade upon the field and provides shelter, likewise the merit of a righteous individual shelters those who live within his community.
Thus we many suggest that the day of Tu B’shvat calls upon us to take note of the hidden righteous individuals who live among us. These are people who are not necessarily in the headlines nor in the limelight, but their deeds and conduct are precious to Hashem. It is in their merit we find shelter.
