LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the celebration of Tu B'Shvat, the
New Year of the Trees, on February 9, 2009

WHEREAS, Tu B'Shvat, observed on the 15th day of the month of Shvat on
the Jewish calendar, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year of the
Trees and is a celebration of the earth's cyclical renewal; and
WHEREAS, A festive holiday, the planting of trees on Tu B'Shvat has
become a tradition in Israel and around the world; on this day it is
customary as well to partake of the fruits with which the land of Israel
is blessed: olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Tu B'Shvat also reminds us that each of us
can and must take care of the earth, our environment, and our natural
resources and draws our attention to environmental concerns and the
interdependence of nature and humans as indicated by the scriptural
verse: "For man is as a tree in the field" (Deuteronomy), expressing the
belief that human existence depends on trees and is linked to them; and
WHEREAS, Similarly, on Tu B'Shvat we recall the relevance of the
ancient story of the Talmudic sage who planted a carob tree, stating:
"Just as our forefathers planted for us without seeing the fruits of
their labor, so do we plant for our children," emphasizing the impor-
tance of protecting the environment and of preserving our natural
resources for future generations; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Tu B'Shvat is, in addition, a symbolic
recognition of trees as a model for human behavior, as expressed in the
ancient insight of Jewish oral law: "a person whose wisdom exceeds his
good deeds is likened to a tree whose branches are numerous, but whose
roots are few... but a person whose good deeds exceed his wisdom is
likened to a tree whose branches are few but whose roots are numer-
ous..."; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of the occasion, it is the sense
of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the lessons of Tu B'Shvat, to
applaud those who work to further them and to instill them within us
all, and to express its appreciation to the Chabad of the Capital
District for hosting a Tu B'Shvat celebration at the New York State
Capitol in Albany, New York, on February 9, 2009, Tu B'Shvat 5769; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the celebration of Tu B'Shvat on February 9, 2009; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Israel Rubin and Rabbi Nachman Simon of the Chabad of
the Capital District.