According to Wikipedia, students of the famous kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria formulated the structure of the first formal Tu BiShvat Seder, which as published as a pamphlet in Venice in 1728.
The Tu BiShvat Seder represents a symbolic reaffirmation of our Jewish connection to the land; a holiday of ecological awareness and a celebration of eating fruits native to Israel (wheat, grapes, barley, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates).
Part of that symbolism is reflected in the the qualities of the fruits of Tu BiShvat: (1) those with a hard outside and soft inside, such as a banana or walnut, (2) those with an edible outside but pit or seeds, such as a date or persimmon and (3) those eaten whole, such as figs or berries.
That symbolism is also reflected in the four cups of wine, representing the four elements of matter (Earth, Water, Air, Fire), the four spheres existence (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual), as well as the four seasons of nature. The first cup of wine is white, for the snow and cold winter season. The second cup of ⅓ red wine and ⅔ white wine representing the beginning of spring. The third cup of ½ white wine and ½ red wine represents spring with half rainy days and half sunny days. Finally, the fourth Cup of all red wine is for the hot days of summer and the end the agricultural season.
Many thanks to Sam Maurer for the inspiration and background research for this article.
This moment of Jewish Learning is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We are part of a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn more about how your Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://www.fjmc.org/content/affiliating-fjmc.
The Florida Region of FJMC serves the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Get to know more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit and LIKE our Florida Region FJMC Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
About Post Author
