Trees, Israel and Geula Why is there a special New Year for trees? On Tu B'Shvat, the almond trees in the mountains of Israel begin to blossom, carrying a special message for the Jewish People... By Rabbi Lazer Brody

This time of the year, the trees are celebrating. On Tu B'Shvat in the Land of Israel, the deciduous orchards are coming back to life, with almond being the first to blossom. Not only do they celebrate the New Year for trees by vibrantly awakening from their winter slumber, but tradition tells us that the blossoming trees of the Land of Israel are the forerunners of the Geula, the full redemption of our people, speedily and in our days, amen… The trees are indeed privileged in that they merit their own special new year, the 15th of Shvat or "Tu B'Shvat". What makes them so special?