There is something wonderfully unique about Tu Bishvat, the new year for trees, which falls on Sunday. But endearing and uplifting as the festival may be, there is a wider symbolism to Tu Bishvat which has become ever more meaningful — and sometimes more contentious. In Israel, for example, the relative political peace of the first six months since the new coalition took office was shattered this week by the planting of trees.

Forestation in areas in southern Israel that Bedouin communities regard as tribal land has led to protests and arrests, and the Arab Ra’am party has stopped voting with the coalition. In this context, trees have become intensely political. 

And with climate change at the top of international agendas, the idea of celebrating nature takes on a far deeper and more urgent meaning. In the run up to Cop26, Naftali Bennett made clear his intention of building on Israel’s global renown for scientific breakthroughs to use technology to tackle climate change. The benefits would be obvious — and not just in saving the planet. Just as Israel’s Covid vaccination programme last year provided a huge boost to its standing, so if its scientists are able to develop technologies to tackle climate change, it will benefit the country’s standing immeasurably.

So much about Jewish festivals lies beneath the surface, and Tu Bishvat is about so much more than simply marking the new year for trees.