Tree Medicine for Shvat
In a linear world, there’s just one New Year. But in Judaism, we celebrate four, and tonight marks the beginning of the New Year for budding trees and a new lifeforce that flows into the world. The sacred number 4 represents the interconnection of many parts, honoring the natural, cyclical rhythms that guide both the earth and our inner being. Just as there are 4 seasons, 4 spiritual worlds, 4 letters in the divine name, 4 cardinal directions, and 4 cups of wine at the TuBShvat seder, this number embraces wholeness. Drawing from this wisdom, we explored how humans too are “trees of the field”—rooted, growing, branching, and fruiting in our unique ways.
Held in a cozy, candle-lit ceremonial space, guided by Jenna Zadaka and Mitten Lowe
🌳 Tu B’Shvat: The Rising of the Sap 🌳
In the heart of winter, beneath the surface, lifeforce stirs. Tu B’Shvat marks the unseen awakening—the sap rising, the nectar of life fluidly enlivening us . Like the breath at the bottom of the exhale, renewal begins in the unseen.
The Mishah simply says TuB’Shvat is the “Rosh Hashana of the Ilan/ The Tree” . What is the singular Tree we are celebrating?🌳
The one and only, Tree of Life! 🍇
The Tree of Life is a map into our consciousness, a blueprint for the cosmic universe, and an energetic pathway into our subtle body.
The Kabbalists saw TuB’Shvatat a time when G-d is a Tree and the Sap is divine light (Ohr Ein Sof) running down her branches.
✨ We gathered in sacred community to express this awakening through:
🌿 Embodied Kabbalistic meditations on the Tree of Life’s Rising Sap through our center column with Jenna Zadaka
🍃 Plant-brushing & Tree Oil Annointing with the Matriarchal Tree with Mitten Lowe
🎶 Prayer & song with Kohenet Elana Brody
🎨 4-part Tree Art Reflection - to honor our wholeness
🍇 Partner fruit tasting & blessings—to spiritually elevate the sparks in the fruit because “Taste and see that Divineis good.” Tehillim 34
