The preparation of a selection of fruits for Tu Bishbat, which are so unique in their flavor, shape and color, should be accompanied by a deeper understanding of the meaning of this special day. It says: "For the man is the tree of the field". How are we likened to trees?
Hakham Sasson Mordekha Moshe gives the following explanation in Debar Be'itto.There are fruit trees and non fruit-bearing trees. The fruit tree symbolizes a righteous person who produces "fruit" (meaning his good deeds), whereas, non fruit-bearing trees symbolize people who do not produce "fruit" (good deeds).
Upon closer examination of the fruit trees, we notice that some fruits are used for eating, some for the manufacture of medicine, while others are known for their sweet and pleasant aroma. So too, among people, there are those who teach and study Torah and are like fruit trees whose fruit is used for eating. Others focus on Mussar, and are likened to trees used for medical purposes. Then there are those who concentrate on the performance of good deeds and this group of people symbolizes trees which are known to have a pleasant aroma.
My dear friends, I am often asked how women can participate in the highly important activity of Torah study. Many women today are fortunate to be exposed to many different avenues for the study of Torah. Participating in learning groups and Shiurim, learning with our husbands and teaching our children, are just some of the possibilities. Care must be taken, however, not to let this conflict with our role as mothers, wives and homebuilders.
May we merit to our own children and future generation grow and blossom like a palm tree. As it says: "The righteous will blossom like the palm tree".
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