It is for this reason that the Sages of the Talmud tell us that on this day, we should pray for a good Esrog -- one of the four species that are taken and blessed on Sukkot. Yet Sukkot has already faded into the past. Why are we thinking of an Esrog?
The simple reason is that at this season the sap is rising, and the tree is beginning the process of eventually giving fruit. This is true of all trees. So why is Tu B'Shvat special to the Esrog?
Because of its shape, the Esrog represents the symbol of the heart. This is the day we can pray for purity of the heart.
We are fragile and fail. But the power of prayer can move us it its source -- to infinity, to God. It can give us access to the Tree of Life.
Don't forget that Rebbetzin Heller is speaking in the Shul at 8:00 on Wednesday for women only. This is one shiur you will not want to miss.
While I was blogging this I got an email from Aish with a link to this 90 Second Tu B'Shvat Flash Movie.
