Tu Bishvat 2024
“Rosh Hashanah La’Ilanot” * at Chabad House Foshan

The Jewish community of Chabad in Foshan, China, warmly welcomed the arrival of Tu Bishvat, a beloved holiday abundant in tradition and symbolism.

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With boundless love for their heritage, they gathered for an exciting Tu BiShvat ceremony, paying special attention to every detail of praising the fruits of the land. Amidst an atmosphere of unity and joy, they participated in the blessings of the trees, recalling the 30 types of fruits, each fruit counted for its great value – from the well-known  “שבעת המינים” (he : Shiv’at HaMinim Seven Species) to the fruits of the land’s abundance, each fruit carrying deep significance. (Ten of them are eaten with their peel and core, ten are eaten with their peel discarded and their core consumed, and ten are eaten with their core discarded and their peel discarded. These thirty types correspond to the ten Sefirot present ( “עשר הספירות” ) in each of the three worlds: the world of Creation “עולם הבריאה” , the world of Formation “עולם היצירה” , and the world of Action “עולם העשייה” )

This holiday, steeped in symbolism, represents the ongoing commitment to nurture and cultivate both the earth and the soul, echoing the words of the Rebbe, “כי האדם עץ השדה” ( he : Ki Ha’Adam Etz HaSadeh, “..For the man is a tree of the field..” ), reminding us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the simple fact that with strong roots of the man – Jewish belief and heritage, good fruits – the mitzvot will become to the world.

Amidst the special Chabad Foshan atmosphere and shared stories, they savored traditional fare—dried fruits and nuts especially imported from Israel—a testament to resilience and gratitude for the nature of the Holy Land’s bounty. This Tu Bishvat celebration was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the enduring bonds of faith and community and of Man and Nature, resonating with echoes of the past and seeds of the future.

* “Rosh Hashanah La’Ilanot” ( He ) Rosh Hashanah for the Trees – New Year’s of the Trees.