Planting the Seeds of Purim on Tu BiShvat
BY EMMA KATZ
“We begin to inquire regarding the laws of Pesach thirty days before Pesach” (Megillah 29b). This teaching suggests we should prepare for upcoming holidays thirty days in advance. While one might assume this allows sufficient preparation time, Rabbi Yitzchak of Neshchiz (the Toldos Yitzchak) offers a deeper interpretation: the spiritual elements of a holiday begin to emerge thirty days prior, allowing us to connect with its essence.
As we celebrate Tu BiShvat, we enter the thirty-day period before Purim, gaining access to Purim’s spiritual essence. But what connects Tu BiShvat and Purim? The answer lies in one element central to both: the tree.
When Haman discovers Mordechai’s refusal to bow to him, he returns home enraged, seeking counsel from his wife Zeresh about how to punish this personal affront. Zeresh responds immediately:
“Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, ‘Have gallows erected fifty cubits high, and tomorrow tell the king to have Mordechai hanged on it. Then you will be able to go in good spirits with the king to the feast.’ Haman was pleased with the idea and erected the gallows” (Esther 5:14).
Zeresh proposes building a tree for Mordechai’s execution – not only to end his life but to publicly humiliate him and deter others from disrespecting Haman. However, fate takes an ironic turn. “Then Charvonah, one of the chamberlains that attended the king, said, ‘In addition, there is the gallows that Haman erected for Mordechai, who spoke for the king’s good, standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high!’ ‘Hang him upon it!’ said the king. And they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordechai and the king’s wrath abated” (Esther 7:9–10).
This tree represents “hikdim refuah l’makah” – the solution Hashem provides before we even comprehend the challenge. Before anyone knew of Haman’s plot against the Jews, Hashem had him construct the instrument of his own demise.
This tree, built by Haman, forges the spiritual connection between Tu BiShvat and Purim. Tu BiShvat marks the Rosh Hashanah l’ilanot, the new year for trees. People often question why we celebrate trees when branches stand bare, rather than during summer’s full bloom. The Ziv Haminhagim explains: though trees appear lifeless, sap begins flowing within them during winter. The leaves and fruits that will emerge in spring and summer are being prepared now, hidden from view.
Tu BiShvat teaches us to recognize this potential. Rather than celebrating visible achievements, we acknowledge the renewal beginning to stir beneath the surface. In our lives, we might look at the calendar, weather forecast, or world events and see only endless gloom. Tu BiShvat reminds us that Hashem is already preparing spring, though it remains concealed. Just as Haman’s tree contained the seeds of salvation, so too are the elements of our ultimate redemption planted around us. As we celebrate Tu BiShvat, may we view the world as a tree, understanding how close we are to that salvation.
Emma Katz is originally from Highland Park, NJ, earned her Bachelors degree in Judaic Studies and Education from Stern College for Women, and her Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Emma served as the Director of NILI, the Women’s Initiative of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel in Chicago for five years. Emma currently lives in Linden, NJ with her husband, Rabbi Yossi Katz, and their four children, where she serves as the Rebbetzin at Congregation Anshe Chesed, and as the Community Programs Coordinator for the OU Women’s Initiative.