Among the mitzvot of warfare, the Torah warns and prohibits soldiers from uprooting fruit trees, stating: כִּי הָאָדָם עֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה – for the human being is a fruit tree (Deuteronomy 20:19). You read correctly: the human being is not “like”…
Jewish calendar, Tu Bishvat
The Hebrew month of Shevat is when nature in the Land of Israel awakens from its winter slumber. It may still be cold and wet outside, but the trees sense the lengthening daylight hours that herald the oncoming seasonal change. …
Jewish calendar, Tu Bishvat
The focus and message of some Jewish holidays is crystal clear. On Pesach, for example, we highlight the dichotomy of slavery and freedom. And so, at my seders growing up we remembered not only that our forefathers were slaves in…
Jewish calendar, Tu Bishvat
This week is Tu B’Shvat. Traditionally, Tu B’Shvat is little more than a technical date in order to distinguish the tithes of a certain year from the next (Rosh Hashanna 1:1). And yet, under the influence, first of Kabbala in…
Jewish calendar, Tu Bishvat
This Shabbat is not only Parshat Beshalach but is also Tu BShvat, the “New Year” for the trees. Over the past 2000 years, this day has undergone a remarkable transformation in how it is commemorated. In this podcast, Rabbi Meir…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Jewish calendar, Tu Bishvat
Rabbi Meir Schweiger discusses B’Shalach: From Slavery to Freedom. Please consider a donation in support of the podcast series. Your generous gift, of any amount, is very much appreciated. Donate on-line via www.donate.pardesusa.org Thank you. And thanks for telling your…
Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus), Beshalach, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
The Torah command not to destroy fruit trees when besieging a city was expanded by our sages into a prohibition against any needless destruction of nature. The metaphor of the tree has been used by Jewish mystics throughout the ages…
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Ketuvim (Writings), Ecclesiastes, Jewish living
Take live online courses with our world-class faculty, from Tanakh to Talmud to Text Skills and beyond.
Explore the diverse array of books authored by Pardes teachers.
Use our search tool to find the Pardes program that fits your schedule.