With Iran building nuclear weapons, Israel’s adversaries trying their best to beat down the Jewish state in the international arena, and the world economy still in the doldrums, one might be tempted to overlook the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish new year for trees. Falling this year on Feb. 8, Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat), is described in the Mishnah as the day on the calendar when a tree gets one year older. This might seem minor, but Tu B’Shevat is a vital reminder of our connection to the environment as well as to the land of Israel.

The age of a fruit tree is significant, according to the Torah, because during its first three years, the tree is to be left alone. During the fourth year, the fruit should be sanctified in praise of God. During the fifth year, the fruit may be eaten. Judaism, from its very beginning, was conscious of the environment. Long before the modern environmental movement, Jews were commanded to respect the environment, both plants and animals, and do our best to preserve God’s creation.

Tu B’Shevat is also significant because it links every Jew, no matter where he or she lives, to the land of Israel. It is customary on Tu B’Shevat to eat from the seven species described as being abundant in the land of Israel (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates). Many Jews also plant trees in Israel, a tangible reminder that the land of Israel is part of the heritage of the larger Jewish people and that we are all responsible for that land.

It is natural at this time in history to be focused on security, the economy, and politics. Tu B’Shevat, however, is an important day in our calendar and should not be lost. It is a holiday keenly focused on the state of our world and the Jewish place in it. .