Tu B’Shevat

tubshvat

Tu B’Shvat and Shabbat Shira

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Rav Natan of Breslav writes: “Tu BiShvat is always adjacent to Shabbat Shira, and sometimes it falls on Shabbat Shira itself” – as it does this year (and 30% of all years). Rav Natan explains this proximity in an involved Chasidic digression (Likutei Halakhot Orla 3), based on a teaching of his Rebbe, Rav Nachman [...]

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Four Rosh Hashanahs

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Although we are all familiar with the Rosh HaShanah, the “Head of the Year,” which occurs in the Fall, there are actually four Rosh HaShanah’s which define, to an extent, the Hebrew calendar. They are as follows: 1. First of Nisan – This is the month about which Moshe was commanded in Egypt, “This month [...]

Tu B’Shevat – New Year for the Trees

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First, as to the word “Tu,” pronounced “too” in the name “Tu B’Shevat.” “Tu” is constructed from the Hebrew letters “tet” and “vav.” “Tet” is the ninth letter in the Hebrew alphabet; “vav” is the sixth. Nine + Six = Fifteen. Also, “tet” is a consonant, making the “te” sound; “vav” is a vowel, which [...]