Go and Plant

We often look far and wide to create a program, an event, an activity, a seder, a something that enlivens our experience of Tu B'shvat.

But, in truth, the answer is no further than the tips of our fingers: Plant a Tree!

I know, it is snowing outside. Literally, as I type this in my new office, it is snowing outside.

And even if it is not snowing everywhere, for many of us the ground is still likely to be frozen and resistant to our advances.

And for those of us who live in a warm climate, it may seem like an odd time to plant.

But I still say: go and plant. Get your hands dirty; use your whole body; be the midwife to a sapling. Just do it indoors.

I planted my apple trees indoors several years ago. They flourished. And they flourished still when I transplanted them outdoors. (Until the deer came and ate them. It was then I discovered that netting could be a girl's best friend.)

So go ahead. Buy or dig up soil and bring it inside. Use that compost you have been creating. Grab a planter deep enough for the roots of a small tree. Bend and strain and push some dirt around. Pour water on the soil; place it in the sun.

The biggest problem may be finding a tree to buy right now. But if there are none around at local nurseries, go on-line. Buy a tree on Tu B'shvat and plant it when it arrives.

Baltimore City has set a goal of doubling its tree canopy in 30 years. That comes to about one million more trees over 30 years. That's almost 100 trees a day, every day, for the next 30 years. Indeed, almost every major municipality in the United States needs more trees. Government cannot do it alone. It is up to all of us.

My naturalist friends may differ with me about this, but on this New Year of the Trees, the best thing we can do is not just talk about trees, or celebrate the symbolism of trees, or study texts about trees - although these are also laudable things to do.

But even more - the best thing we can do is plant trees. Better yet, fruit trees.

And in five years, may you harvest your bounty, dry or preserve it, and serve it with gusto at your Tu B'shvat seder. Then, go and plant the new year's crop of trees.

To learn more about Tu B'shvat, check out Jewcology.