Let us continue our discussion of Tu B’Shvat.
Customs associated with this mid-winter holiday can be derived from different sources. The custom of having a Tu B’Shvat Seder was instituted in the 16th century in Safed by the Kabbalists, especially Rabbi Yitzchak Luria. This practice is experiencing a revival now and you can join in Tu B’Shvat seders in many places, and you don’t even need to be a kabbalist to enjoy it. The basic idea is that 10 specific fruits are eaten, and four cups of wine are drunk, in a particular order. The appropriate blessings over these foods are recited, and by this practice it is believed that the world will be brought closer to spiritual perfection and redemption.
Bringing the world closer to spiritual perfection is the goal of Jewish belief and practice, as Rabbi Balkany has said, quoting from the book of Psalms,
Salvation belongs to G-d, Your blessing be on your people.
