Seeds trees fruits plants — each of these miraculous creations hints at patterns of our existence in This World. On Tu B’Shvat the day of their annual renewal we ponder their timeless messages.

Seeds hold a particularly timely significance. In an age of instant gratification efforts that aren’t immediately rewarded often result in frustration and despair. The hard work we invest in a thorny marriage the love we shower on a difficult child the kind word we extend to a frosty neighbor — at times they bear not even the humblest of fruits and we are left feeling barren.

A seed teaches patience; just as it may take months or even years to burgeon out from above the ground so it is with every experience in our lives. Whether in chinuch shidduchim kiruv or general world events we make choices and act with clearly defined goals yet often those actions won’t yield results until we’ve almost given up hope. But when the seed of our sweat finally pushes out of its earthy abode the joy is immense.

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