We are currently in the month of Shevat (today is the 4th), and according to Jewish Astrology, this is the month during which we examine the spiritual aspect of eating. The main holiday in the month of Shevat is Tu B’Shevat (the 15th) when we celebrate the new year for trees. It is traditional on this holiday to eat a variety of fruits, particularly those associated with the land of Israel. Pomegranates, dates and figs are favorite fruits for this holiday.
Shevat is associated with correct eating, and the letter characterized by Shevat is the Tzaddik. The word “tzaddik” in Hebrew means “righteous person” and it is said that “the righteous man eats to nourish his soul.” According to Chassidic philosophy, the food we eat is elevated to a level of holiness if we eat with the right intentions, in order to nourish our bodies so we can serve Hashem and not just merely to satisfy our appetites. Saying blessings before and after eating are also necessary to bring the food eat to a higher spiritual level. The tzaddik, or righteous person, eats for a holy purpose.
The fruit tree, associated with Shevat is also compared to a tzaddik. Human beings throughout scripture are compared to all kinds of trees, but a tzaddik is like a fruit tree because he achieves his purpose in life and “bears fruit” which is sweet and nourishing. When we eat fruit from the tree, it is useful to reflect upon our purpose in life and to ask ourselves what contribution we are making. Are we “bearing fruit” and bringing goodness and kindness to the world? According to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, increasing in acts of goodness and kindness will bring the ultimate tzaddik, the messiah, and an era of perfect peace. Just bringing this consciousness into all of our activities will enable the dream to become a reality.
related: Kosher food, kosher thoughts