Tu B'Shavat

This image contains the blessing for planting a tree which reads: Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam bo-reh p'ri ha'etz. (Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.) Tu B'Shvat is the New Year of the Trees is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Shvat It is customary to plant a tree following a new birth: cedar for a boy (strength) and cypress for a girl (fragrance). The branches of those trees were later used in the construction of their wedding huppa. The framework of the tree in this image forms a seven-branch candelabrum. Trees are a gift from God to us, because through them He provides clean air, beautiful blossoms, fragrance, nourishment, shade, shelter for humans and animals, boats, furniture, instruments, paper, and fuel for warmth.