Tu b’Shevat is one of those “minor holidays” that kind of sneaks up on you. No extra shul time required, little preparation or learning in advance. Celebration is sort of ad hoc; let’s run out and shop for dried fruit or maybe plant a tree. However, it’s actually quite a notable holiday here in Israel. No matter where you live, Tu b’Shevat is a great time to nurture your natural yearning for Eretz Yisrael.

What Makes the Land of Israel Unique?

When the B’nei Yisrael are finally poised to enter the Land of Israel, Hashem first recounts all the good He has shown us in our 40 years in the desert: the well, the manna, our clothes, shoes and the Clouds of Glory. All this He did to prepare us for our ultimate goal, a Torah life in Eretz Yisrael.

And how does He describe our destination? By highlighting seven items of produce: " a good land… a land of wheat and barley, of grape and fig and pomegranate; a land of oil-rich olive and sweet date." (Devarim 8:7-8) This is surprising. Why not mention Israel’s lush hills, her extraordinary lakes, the stunning mountains, valleys and waterfalls of the Galil or the breathtaking cliffs of the golden Negev? Her spectacular birds, curious animals, the clarity of the air?

Instead, Hashem sets apart seven foods of from all the Land’s greatness to entice us toward our goal. Even more puzzling, these Seven Species do not make the Land of Israel unique; all seven also grow in many other places in the world. One must conclude that G-d’s focus on these particular seven means that they are more than mere embellishments to the gift of this “good Land.”

What Sets Israel and her People Apart?

The Land of Israel is unique for one reason: because G-d gave it to the Jewish people. Both the Jew and the Land are eternally intertwined. Indeed, the Baal Shem Tov’s approach is that that every Jew is regarded by G-d as "a cherished land," from which all types of good produce can grow.

The Seven Species are indeed exceptional. Each one expresses an innate trait of the Land and of the Jew, the inheritor of the Land. For instance, the olive is indicative of our potential for purity. Israel is the home of the Beis HaMikdash, the place of the Menorah lit with pure olive oil. The heart of every Jew is like the burning Menorah fueled with pure oil. Figs, because they continually produce in their growing season, show us we find sweetness in the continual review of our Torah learning. Pomegranates are filled with luscious seeds representing our abundant desire for mitzvos. These characteristics of all Seven Species, are intrinsic to the exceptional character of Eretz Yisrael and the Jew, and articulate the essential qualities that set us apart from all the other nations.

Yet, in our desire to gain the world’s acceptance, we forget that it is our very uniqueness which protects us. When we cast ourselves as “a nation like all other nations,” the reckoning is severe.

Hashem promises to lead us to the Land and even guarantees our military victory over the Canaanites. Still, He allows us to send men to spy out the nature of the land, its population and its produce. Their report is disastrous. “We are unable to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we,” they declare. To prove that a natural victory is impossible, the spies return with grapes, figs and pomegranates of massive proportion, food for giants whom we would have to conquer.

We Are a Nation Conceived for Life in Israel

True, a natural victory was impossible. But we forgot who we are--a nation conceived for life in Eretz Yisrael, the only place overseen directly by G-d rather than through intermediaries: "A Land that Hashem, your G-d, seeks out; the eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are always upon it." (Devarim 11:12).

Because of His great love for us, Hashem gave us a way to return in dignity. We receive exact instructions, “...when you enter the Land …and dwell in it, … you shall take of the first of every fruit of the ground … and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that Hashem, your G-d, will choose…” (Devarim 26:1-2). This is Bikkurim, the offering of the first fruits of the Land which Hashem still promises to give to us in spite of our initial rejection.

The mitzvah of Bikkurim was performed exclusively with the Seven Species for which the Land is praised: Wheat, barley, grapes, dates, figs, olives and pomegranates. Thus, the mitzvah of Bikkurim gave us the opportunity, using very fruits the spies used to condemn the Land, to express our complete love for it!

The Meyan Shalosh blessing that we say after eating any of the Seven Species is exclusive to these particular foods. Interestingly, the entire body of this blessing centers on our yearning for Israel, Jerusalem and the Beis HaMikdash. This is the only place where the intrinsic qualities of the produce of Israel, the Jewish People, can be realized in their full potential.

The Kuzari writes that to produce good fruit three conditions are needed: a good vine, a suitable location and proper care. The vine, he says, is the Jewish People, the suitable location, Eretz Yisrael and their proper care is the Torah.

Sheva Minim Tabbouleh Salad

Sheva Minim are traditionally eaten on Tu B'Shevat, This salad is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the day and think about this “cherished land” from which all sorts of good produce (including you!) can grow.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup pearled barley
1/2 cup water or broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup fine bulgur wheat
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup dried figs, diced
1/4 cup raisins, diced
1/4 cup dates, diced
1/4 cup brine cured black olives, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/4 cup toasted almond slivers or pine nuts, toasted

Pomegranate Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 small shallot, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup olive oil

1. Heat oil in a large heave saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring about five minutes until translucent. Add barley and stir for five minutes until golden. Stir in water or broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover. Cook for 40 minutes until barley is tender. Uncover and fluff with a fork.

2. Place bulgur and zaatar in a heat resistant mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the wheat and stir. Cover loosely and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. The water should be absorbed. Combine with barley and chill thoroughly.

3. In a small bowl or shaker container, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

4. In a large bowl, toss together the barley mixture, dried fruit, olives, parsley, mint and almonds or pine nuts. Toss salad with just enough dressing to moisten.

Makes: 6-8 servings
Can make ahead
Active time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes