Tu Bishvat, the fifteenth of Shvat, is the Rosh Hashona of
the trees. The custom is to eat the fruits of Eretz Yisroel,
the seven species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates,
olives and dates, plus any other fruits that grow in Eretz
Yisroel. The seven species are the most important because
Eretz Yisroel is blessed and is richer with these fruits than
other countries. Eating the variety of fruits increases our
appreciation of the vast variety in Creation, and partaking
of their wonderful, different flavors enables us to bless
Hashem while the mitzva is ripe and right before our
eyes.
Tu Bishvat is when the sap begins flowing in the trees and
when some fruits begin to blossom after having appeared dead
during the preceding months. The tree without its leaves and
fruit is like a man who is suffering or falling - but whom
Hashem rescues in the nick of time, even after hope seems
gone. The rejuvenation of the trees is also a sign of the
future techiyas hameisim when the dead will spring
back to life. Our emuna is strengthened when we see
the trees show new signs of life and fruitfulness.
The tree provides us with more than fruit, as we learn from
the following parable from the gemora in
Taanis, taught to school children in song, to heighten
the lesson of the attributes of the tree:
A man traveling in the desert, weary, hungry and thirsty,
came upon a tree. The tree provided him with sweet fruit,
shade from the hot sun and refreshing water from the spring
that flowed nearby and watered it. Revived and grateful, the
man spoke to the tree and said, "Ilan, ilan! Tree,
tree! How shall I bless you?" He enumerated all the wonderful
things he had to thank it for -- which it already had. Shade,
fruit, a supply of water. What, then? And he said: "Let all
the saplings planted from you be just like you!"
Biblical-Tasting Unbaked Fruitcake
The following unbaked fruitcake recipe uses three of the
seven species: dates, figs and raisins (grapes) plus almonds
and coconut. Nothing more. It is reminiscent of what our
culinary biblical heritage might have included. It is simple,
elegant and healthy. There is no white sugar, no fat, no oil
and no refined flour. It will not qualify for a
mezonos blessing but is very satisfying and a perfect
treat for Tu Bishvat.
Prepare this `cake' a day or two before Tu Bishvat. Opening
the fruit, checking it carefully (some may wish to omit the
figs) and cracking the nutshells is in itself an indoor day
activity that can keep children happy and busy. Supply knives
that are dull. Adult supervision is required. Have two or
more nutcrackers on hand (or put almonds in a plastic bag and
crush with shnitzel hammer or regular hammer and then
separate meats). Adult should check for infestation.
Ingredients:
Note: 1 kilo = 2.2 lb.
1 kilo dates/ 1 kilo figs, stems removed/ 1 kilo almonds,
shelled, or walnuts/ 1 kilo coconut shreds/ 1 kilo seedless
raisins
Method:
Grind in food processor or by hand in small quantities. Line
one large loaf pan or bowl with wax paper. Place 4-10 sliced
almonds in a decorative floral pattern on the wax paper on
bottom of pan. Press mixture firmly into pan. Smooth top
surface. Cover. Chill 4 hours or more. Turn out upside down
onto serving platter. Slice thin to serve. Use this recipe as
the idea basis for other unbaked fruitcakes.
FRUIT SHISHKEBOBS
Peel, cut and check a variety of Tu Bishvat fruits. Place
each variety in a separate bowl. Have children thread the
fruits onto a wooden skewer or toothpick. Encourage them to
repeat the same pattern on each skewer to reinforce concepts
of order and sequence. Or, if order appears arbitrary, note
the differences between the arrangements according to type,
number and placement of fruit. Now is a good time to teach
small children the blessing on fruits and to learn about
trees and their fruit.
The kebobs can be stuck into oranges and grapefruits with a
small slice cut off on bottom so that they'll sit well. These
should first be washed well to eliminate mites.
Healthy appetite!
