Tu b’Shvat, the 15^th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat is also known as the New Year for the Trees.   I would say “Happy New Year”…if I could see a tree underneath all that snow.

Seems strange to celebrate when the trees are so bare, a shell of nature’s best design .  But the day actually marks the very beginnings of the sap rising up deep within the trees.  The raw potential that is hidden within just starting to work…

Man is compared to a tree in the field.  We also have our winters (both seasonally and figuratively!), but our roots run deep and buried within is a strong vibrancy and will waiting to rise up and bloom.

Connecting not only to the trees but to their fruits is a big part of Tu b’Shvat, especially to the fruits of the Land of Israel.  Don’t know about you, but my childhood Tu b’Shvat memories are somewhat traumatic. There was nary a year that we didn’t receive a hardened, crusty piece of carob – “wow, I know it’s the New Year for Trees…but does that mean I have to eat one?” I thought to myself.  Trying to chew through a piece of leather did not conjure the intended joyous associations.  Had I only had access to this…

(Picture by Michael Salzbank)

The Torah speaks of the seven species of fruits and grains that are especially abundant and blessed in Israel where G-d has brought the Jewish People – “a land of wheat, barley, vines (grapes), fig trees, pomegranates; a land of olive oil and date (honey)…”.  These fruits are the pride of the land, infused with its holiness and purity.

Eating them not only connects us back to the Land and it’s Source, but it is specifically these species that teach us lessons of faith – these beautifully abundant species were the self-same fruits with the most difficult agricultural challenges inherent in growing them.  The Torah reveals their bounty will be dependent on our devotion and dedication to G-d’s commandments (we find this right in the Shema prayer).

(Picture by Michael Salzbank)

I never met a dried date I liked until a few years ago.  Enter the Medjool date.  A plump, meaty fruit with caramel stickiness and overtones.  Just one could sustain a man in the desert.  Try one and you’ll understand why date honey (silan) is so, so good.

Date palms are compared to the Jewish People because every part is needed and used – the fruit eaten, the branches for lulav on Succos, its fibers for ropes, etc.  There is nothing wasted or extraneous.  We each have our own important role to play too.

Medjool dates have one large pit in the center of the fruit.  Simply make a slit and pop it out.  Check the inside for any spoilage or insects and then you are good to go.

Even though I now appreciate dates, there are many in my family (ahem, kids!) who don’t.  For those who don’t, try cooking or baking with them – their flavor totally changes and mellows, leaving only a full-bodied sweetness.

The following is a great little starter, a perfect way to gussy up your date on Tu b’Shvat. Stuffed with orange-scented goat cheese, the creaminess really cuts the dates’ intense sweetness and creates a lovely balance.  Best part: these babies are ready in minutes!

This Tu b’Shvat make a blessing and eat a fruit.  Appreciate the trees and its Source.  And appreciate the tree in you!

Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese

A sweet hors d’oeuvre with tart goat cheese and a touch of honey.  Be sure to use Medjool dates whose caramel tones and substantial size are ideal for stuffing.

Yield: Makes 16

16 Medjool dates

4 oz. (about ½ cup packed) goat cheese

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. orange zest

¼ tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. honey plus more for drizzling

16 pecan halves (or sliced almonds good too)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Using a sharp paring knife, make a slit lengthwise in each date and remove pits.  Set dates aside.

Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, orange zest, cinnamon and 2 tsp. honey in a small bowl, mixing until well blended.

Stuff each date with about ¾ tsp. of the cheese mixture.  Top each with a pecan half (or a few sliced almonds).   Place stuffed dates in a small baking dish.  Bake for 5 minutes to warm.

Drizzle each date with a few drops of honey prior to serving.