Tu b'Shevat and the Power of Renewal

Tu b'Shevat is a time of renewed growth, and from it we can learn how true progress and movement take place.

Tu b'Shevat falls in the middle of the month — on the 15th of Shvat. Although it is not the only holiday that occurs mid-month (Sukkot, Purim, and Pesach also fall on the 15th), it is the one that most strongly symbolizes renewal, growth — and the parallel between the tree and the human being.

This, together with the timing of the holiday, teaches us something about the idea of “the middle,” about inner emotional-spiritual work, and about what gives life its vitality.

The Power of the Midpoint — Where Movement Begins

The midpoint is the point that enables connection and movement.

If “a person is like the tree of the field,” we can look at the human body and see how this is reflected there.

When we divide the face lengthwise and widthwise, we arrive at the nose — the midpoint of the face. Through it we connect with the environment via inhaling and exhaling. That connection creates movement and life.

The elbow is another midpoint — connecting the forearm and upper arm — again, enabling movement.

We can recognize similar midpoints elsewhere:

• Train cars move only when connected at their midpoint — connection creates motion.

• An electrical circuit functions only when wires connect — connection creates energy and activation.

• A mediator can serve as a human midpoint — connecting sides in conflict, allowing progress and resolution.

Connection → movement → growth.

The Human Being — A Living Midpoint Between Heaven and Earth

A person embodies this midpoint when they create an inner connection between earth and heaven.

On one hand, a person is grounded — drawing physical sustenance from the earth through food, drink, and interaction with nature.

On the other hand, their head reaches upward — absorbing spiritual nourishment such as beauty, music, inspiration, and prayer, sometimes even unconsciously.

Thus, the human being becomes the connecting point between heaven and earth — within themselves.

The Tree as a Symbol of Connection and Growth

The tree parallels this beautifully. With its roots deep in the earth, it draws nourishment from below — through unseen underground processes that begin with a decaying seed and the forming of roots.

At the same time, above ground it receives energy from the sun — absorbing light and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.

The tree, too, is a midpoint between earth and sky — and through this inner connection, it grows and flourishes over many years.

Inner Balance and Character Growth

When a person finds their inner midpoint — the meeting point within themselves, they are able to balance their character traits.

Extreme traits restrict movement:

• A person cannot function when overly angry

• nor when overly passive or submissive

• not when trapped in constant anxiety

• nor when detached and indifferent

In such states, the soul is unbalanced, as the moderating midpoint is missing.

Only by finding the middle point — emotional and spiritual balance, can a person regain movement, vitality, growth and life.

A Blessing for Tu b'Shevat

When our inner midpoint is in harmony, our traits return to proportion, our soul becomes balanced — and true renewal and growth become possible.

Happy Tu b'Shevat — a time to grow and to rejoice!