Pri Etz Hadar: The Foundation of the Tu Bishvat Seder

Investigating the root of this practice.

Tu Bishvat, often called the "New Year of the Trees," has evolved from an agricultural milestone into a mystical celebration of nature’s spiritual depths. At the heart of this transformation is the Pri Etz Hadar, a Kabbalistic text from the 17th century that serves as the basis for the Tu Bishvat Seder. Rooted in the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria and his disciples, the Seder mirrors the structure of the Passover Seder, guiding participants through four mystical worlds—Asiyah (Action), Yetzirah (Formation), Beriah (Creation), and Atzilut (Emanation). Each world is represented by different categories of tree fruits, symbolizing layers of spiritual growth and our relationship with the natural world.

The journey begins in Asiyah, the physical world, represented by fruits with a tough outer shell and an edible interior, such as walnuts, almonds, and pomegranates. These fruits remind us of the external barriers we encounter in life—both physical and spiritual. Just as we must break through the shell to reach the nourishing fruit inside, we, too, must work to refine our actions and reveal the goodness within ourselves and the world. Eating these fruits encourages us to appreciate the effort required to access deeper wisdom and meaning.

Moving into Yetzirah, the world of emotion and formation, we partake in fruits with a soft exterior but a hidden pit, such as olives, cherries, and apricots. These symbolize the growth of inner potential, as the pit contains the seed of new beginnings. This stage of the Seder invites us to reflect on emotional development and the hidden strengths within us, waiting to be nurtured and cultivated. 

Beriah, the world of creation and intellect, is symbolized by entirely edible fruits, such as grapes, figs, and apples. These fruits represent spiritual wholeness and the clarity that comes with deep understanding, where no barriers exist between our inner and outer selves.

Finally, we reach Atzilut, the highest and most transcendent world, where the Divine presence is most apparent. This realm is not represented by physical fruit but rather by fragrance, particularly that of the etrog (citron). Unlike other fruits, the etrog is prized for its aroma rather than its taste, symbolizing the intangible aspects of spirituality—faith, inspiration, and connection to the divine. At this stage of the Seder, we contemplate the unity of all things and our ultimate goal of elevating the physical world through spiritual awareness.

As we complete the Seder, we are reminded that Tu Bishvat is more than just a celebration of trees; it is an opportunity to nourish both body and soul, cultivating growth in every realm of our lives.