Tu B’shvat: Failure Is a Catalyst for Growth

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As the winter in Israel begins to fade, and Shvat heralds in the promise of spring, we celebrate Tu B’shvat – the Rosh Hashana of the trees. On this festive day of Tu B’shvat, the sap begins rising in the trees, signaling rebirth and renewal after the bareness of the cold winter. Rav Eliyahu Kitov comments that on Tu B’shvat, the soil of Eretz Yisrael is rejuvenated and it begins to yield its produce and demonstrate its inherent goodness. This pattern of growth and decline is found throughout the life of man. We climb and conquer mountains only to tumble down and begin climbing again. “A Tzaddik falls seven times but arises.” (Mishlei)

Growth After Setbacks

We should not be discouraged by our setbacks. It is only through mistakes that one becomes stronger and wiser. If we never tasted the bitterness of failure, we would never appreciate the sweetness of success. When a baby learns to walk, he takes a few tentative steps before falling. If he were to give up in frustration he would never learn to walk or run. We too must persevere through challenge – knowing that Hashem’s hand is outstretched to help us.

The fascinating account of David and Batsheva illustrates this idea. King David saw Batsheva bathing on the rooftop of her home. Impressed by her beauty, he made inquiries and discovered that her husband Uriya had given her a bill of divorce since he was engaged in battle. David saw through prophecy that she was his destined mate, and therefore had Uriya put to death to marry Batsheva. Displeased by David’s actions, Hashem sent His prophet Natan to rebuke him. David spent many years engaged in repentance to atone for his sin. Our Rabbis reveal to us a fascinating idea. The only reason David erred was to teach a person how to repent from sin!¹ When we see that even the righteous king of Israel stumbled in sin and was forgiven, we are greatly encouraged to keep moving forward despite obstacles and challenges.

In the troubling times that Israel is now experiencing, we have seen so much growth emerge from pain and destruction. Children have been orphaned, women have been widowed, and so many Israelis are homeless and displaced. However, we won’t give in to despair. Just like the sapling that begins to grow after the cold winter months have passed, the Jewish people are alive and vibrant despite the difficulties.

This cycle of rebirth is also relevant to the land of Israel. When conquered by vicious enemies intent on our destruction, we refuse to surrender hope. We pick ourselves up, pray to G-d, take up arms, and emerge victorious. Many times throughout history the Jewish nation has been the object of ridicule, attack, and anti-semitism. Ironically, our enemies embolden us rather than weaken us. The Jewish spirit refuses to be broken.

The Germination of a Plant

When a seed is planted in the ground it begins to germinate in the soil. In effect the seed is rotting and it appears to be dead. However, this is the first step in its growth. After germination, the seed begins to sprout and develop, resulting in a beautiful plant. So too, man’s growth often seems stagnant and dead, but we must never despair of our inherent goodness or of the goodness of others. What lies dormant today could sprout and bear fruit tomorrow.

Often the ways of Hashem are unfathomable to man. When witnessing tragedy one may question how a benevolent G-d could allow such things to happen. The growth of a seed teaches us otherwise. After hardship and pain, life and growth begin to emerge.

The parable is told of an ignorant city dweller who came to spend some time on a farm. One day he saw the farmer ploughing his field to prepare it for planting. “What are you doing?!” He cried out in anguish. “Why are you destroying your field?” “My friend you don’t understand. I’m not destroying the field, I’m readying it for planting.” The farmer replied. The man stared uncomprehending but didn’t question further. As soon as the furrows had been dug, the farmer took a handful of seeds and scattered them in the ground. “Oh no! Why are you wasting your seeds!” The city dweller inquired. “My friend, be patient. I’m not wasting the seeds, I’m planting them so that in a few months I will have grain.” The farmer replied. As soon as the golden stalks began to ripen and grow, the farmer began harvesting the crop. “Now what are you doing?!” The city dweller wanted to know. “You are destroying the stalks of wheat! “No, my friend, I am harvesting the wheat so that I will have flour to bake into bread.” The farmer told the man. When the wheat was ground up into flour the man protested once again. Finally, the flour was ready to be baked into a loaf of bread. Upon seeing this, the city dweller began to cry, “After all your hard work you are now burning the flour! Why are you doing this?” The farmer did not reply but merely smiled. A short while later, the fresh loaf of bread emerged from the oven, hot and delicious.

We are like the ignorant city dweller when observing the ways of Hashem. What looks to human eyes like destruction is really growth and life. The growth of a plant should teach us to have faith in Hashem when we fail to understand His ways.

G-d’s Wonderful World

We celebrate Tu B’shvat by eating the seven species for which the land of Israel is praised; wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranate, olives, and dates. One need only to take a deeper look into the beauty of nature to see the hand of G-d at work. From the celestial orbs that glimmer against the velvet night sky to the roiling waves of the ocean to the astonishing transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly – all of nature proclaims Hashem’s divine design. As we rush through our daily routine accomplishing the many tasks on our to-do list, we might miss out on the wonders of Hashem’s creations.

On Tu B’shvat, take a moment to pause and praise Hashem for the wonderful world which He has created. Stop and reflect on the renewal that Tu Bshvat heralds, and remember that failure is often the catalyst for abundant growth.