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Not that anybody ever comments, but I might get a bit philosophical on this blog. As some of you may know last night and today is Tu B'Shvat. In my religion this is the New Year of the trees or any plant that produces something that we can eat. It's a time where we thank G-d for his wonderful creation. We celebrate it in our family by having a sort of fruit and nut seder similar to Passover.

Each fruit group represents something different and each glass of wine represents something different too.

The first group is called Olam Ha- Assiyah or the World of Action. The wine is white to symbolize the sleep that descends upon nature when the sun's rays begin to weaken. In winter Earth can be barren and covered with snow.

The fruits in this world or group have hard outer shells and soft insides. It symbolizes the winter season also with its protective outside. Removing the hard shell exposes a fleshy vulnerable inside. The shell not only conceals but also protects.

This world is also represented by work, of everyday activity, and the spirit that requires protection and nurturing. Effort is necessary to protect it from indifference, from being forgotten, from unkind influences. Shells of nuts release the divine sparks for Tikkun Olam or healing of the world.

Fruits are like these: pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, coconuts, pine nuts, pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and more. You have at least eat 5 during the first course. This is just the first world and fruit. I'll blog more, just want to save it for right now. smile