Celebrating the Jewish “New Year for Trees” | Why Trees Play a Special Role in Jewish Culture | Some of the Most Important Trees in the Torah
In 2025, the Jewish ”new year” for trees, also known as the 15th of Shevat, will be celebrated on February 13, commemorated by the eating of all kinds of fruits, from grapes and figs to pomegranates, dates and olives. The 15th of Shevat symbolizes the beginning of a new fruit-bearing cycle, a time when trees awake from their winter hibernation. The holiday also memorializes the long significance of trees in Jewish culture. The olive tree has long been recognized as a symbol of peace and other trees, such as the cedar, fig and date palm trees, have special meaning. The Jewish reverence for trees also underpins the tradition of planting a tree when a loved one dies. What are some of the traditions of the 15th of Shevat? Why do trees carry such special meaning? What are some of the most important trees in the Jewish faith and in Jewish culture?
What Are Some of the Traditions of the 15th of Shevat?
Many of the practices associated with the 15th of Shevat involve fruit:
- As a general rule, fruit generally takes up a larger part of the Jewish diet during the celebration for the new year for trees. A special blessing is typically recited when the fruit is consumed—Baruch atah A-donoi, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam borei pri ha-aitz—which translates to “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the trees.”
- Certain types of fruits are preferred on the 15th of Shevat, mostly because they are ones for which Israel is known and praised. That includes dates, figs, olives, grapes and pomegranates.
- Often, celebrants try to consume at least one fruit that they have not had during the recent growing season. If they do, a special blessing is recited when eating the new fruit.
- Within some Jewish traditions, carob is a custom of the 15th of Shevat
The Torah warns, though, that celebrants should refrain from eating any fruit during the 15th of Shevat that comes from a tree in its first three years of growth, as the young trees need time to take root before the fruit that is produced should be eaten.
Why Do Trees Have Special Meaning in the Jewish Faith?
Scholars cite a number of reasons why trees have a special place in Jewish culture and faith:
- They represent a connection between God and man—The tree of life, found in the Garden of Eden, symbolizes both eternal life and the creative power of God.
- Trees symbolize the life cycle, from the planting of a seed to growth, the changing of the seasons and eventual death and return to the earth
- Trees are essential for life, providing oxygen and other necessary elements
- Trees show that natural resources have long-term value and consequences
- Trees are witness to the responsibility of each generation to be stewards for future generations
What Are Some of the Most Important Trees in the Torah?
The Torah makes many references to trees. Those that are most central to the Jewish faith include:
- The tree of life—As mentioned above, the tree of life, found in the Garden of Eden, offered Adam and Eve eternal life, which they lost for mankind when they ate the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge
- The tree of knowledge—As set forth in Genesis, Adam and Eve were without sin until they ate from the tree of knowledge, which caused them to learn about evil (and become like God).
- The first tree after the flood—After God flooded the earth, in order to determine when the waters had receded, Noah sent out birds. The first one, a raven, returned and circled the ark with nothing in its beak. The second bird, a dove, also returned with no evidence of dry land. The third bird, though, another dove, came back with an olive leaf, indicating that there was new growth on the land.
- The burning bush where God appeared to Moses—When the Israelites were held in bondage in Egypt, God sent Moses to be their leader and take them out of captivity. God first appeared to Moses as a bush that burned without being diminished or consumed. Though Moses was reluctant to assume the role of God’s messenger to the Israelites, the appearance of God in the form of a burning bush convinced him to go.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for More than Five Generations
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with funeral chapels in New York and Florida, we have provided comprehensive funeral and burial services to the Jewish community for more than 125 years. We understand the unique funeral and burial practices within the different traditions and can offer assistance and guidance on any matter of concern, whether it’s the details of the memorial service, the selection of a casket or monument, the specifics of sitting Shiva or the preparation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure that the body has been properly prepared according to Jewish law prior to burial.
To learn how we can help, send us an email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Where Relationships Matter
Family Owned and Operated Since 1892
Rockville Centre: (516)764-9400 | Woodbury: (516)921-5757 | Brooklyn: (718)284-1500
Boca Raton, FL: (561)997-9900 | (800)992-9262