Tu B'Shevat and a message of hope

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With new COVID variants, seemingly never-ending vaccines, mandates causing tensions between government and citizens, and travel restrictions forcing the separation of families and friends this winter, there is a prevalent feeling of uncertainty.

The upcoming holiday of Tu B'shevat reminds us that despite it all, the Jewish people are always a nation with hope.

Tu B'shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a unique holiday. According to the Talmud (Rosh Hashana 2a), Tu B'Shevat was the day used to decide how old a tree was for tithing obligations. Fruit trees that blossomed bef...