This week we celebrated Tu B’Shvat and Valentine’s Day right next to each other, making it the perfect time to reflect on the deep connections between love and nature. Just like a tree, love needs strong roots, steady growth, and plenty of nourishment. This year Tu B’Shvat, the New Year for the Trees, gives us the perfect opportunity to consider how we can care for our relationships and the world around us.
Planting the Seeds: The Power of Small Beginnings
Tu B’Shvat reminds us that great things start small. A towering oak begins as a tiny acorn, just as deep connections often begin with simple gestures—a kind word, a shared laugh, or a moment of understanding. Whether we’re planting a tree or building a relationship, the first step is showing up with intention and care.
Nourishing Growth: Consistency is Key
A tree doesn’t flourish overnight. It needs water, sunlight, and healthy soil. Similarly, love—whether romantic, platonic, or self-love—requires regular attention. In Jewish tradition, Tu B’Shvat celebrates the bounty of the earth, particularly the seven species of Israel, including figs, dates, and pomegranates. These fruits symbolize abundance, sweetness, and perseverance—qualities that also strengthen relationships.
What if we approached love like we do nature? Imagine setting aside time each day to “water” our relationships with appreciation, meaningful conversations, and acts of kindness. A neglected plant withers, what about our relationships?
Weathering the Seasons: Growth Through Challenges
Trees endure storms, droughts, and harsh winters, yet they stand tall year after year. Love, too, faces seasons of hardship. Nature teaches us resilience—the ability to bend without breaking, to find strength in deep roots. Instead of fearing challenges, we can embrace them as opportunities to grow stronger together.
Sustainability in Love and Life
Tu B’Shvat isn’t just about trees; it’s about sustainability and responsibility. We plant trees not only for ourselves but for future generations. In the same way, lasting love—whether for a partner, a friend, or the world—requires a commitment to long-term care.
This holiday invites us to be mindful of our impact, from how we treat the earth to how we treat each other. Choosing sustainable love means practicing patience, respect, and gratitude. It means leaving the world, and our relationships, better than we found them.
Celebrating Tu B’Shvat with Love
So how can we honor both love and Tu B’Shvat all year long? Here are some ideas:
- Plant something together – A tree, a garden, or even a small herb plant can be a living symbol of your love and commitment.
- Spend time in nature – Go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you.
- Practice kindness – Write a heartfelt note, volunteer, or make an eco-friendly choice, small acts of love make a difference.
Let’s take the lessons of Tu B’Shvat and remember that love, like the earth, thrives when we care for it. By nurturing both, we create a world that is richer, stronger, and full of life.
Photo credit: Sebastian Pichler
