Tu B'Shevat and Guarding the Fig Tree

This is the time of year when we celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the New Year for Trees and the dawning of Spring.

Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, Director of NJOP, explains that when Moses found out he wasn't going to be allowed to enter the Land of Israel, his first concern was who would be his successor. God told him to appoint Joshua who was the most worthy. Rashi quotes a verse from Proverbs where King Solomon said, "He who guards the fig tree will eat its fruit." He explained that it was Joshua who guarded the "fig tree", Moses. He took care of him and made sure his needs were taken care of.

That is what Tu B'Shevat is about. It marks the dawn of Spring and the preparation for what's next, the new season. Who is going to be the successor? Who will be there to care for everyone and everything?

Guarding