Chamisha Asar B'Shvat: Much has already been written about the significance of this day.
(A 'Jewish Arbor Day' or 'Environmental Education Day' is NOT among them. That is a myth of the Secular State in Israel. >
) Here is another take on the matter, in GYE style:
In its most basic level, this day has no significance outside the halachos of Maaser. Since the tithe must be taken from each year's produce separately, it is necessary to have a cut-off date as of when any newly sprouting fruit will be considered of the coming year's crop.
Chazal teach us that this day was chosen because on this day the sap begins to flow and this is the first beginnings of the new growth season. Although there is no noticeable difference on the tree or its limbs, the fact that deep down in the subterrainan roots there is new growth, albight in a very small amount, it is sufficient to herald the new beginnings!
The lesson is clear. Our goal here in the great GuardYourEyes Community is rebirth.
BUT, even if, at times, we do not see any REAL change, we feel like we are back at our starting point, we should remember the lesson from the trees. An outside onlooker might not see the transformation, but WE know that internally we have the started afresh.
Ki adam eitz hasadeh! - A person is likened to a tree.
The ideas & perspective which we receive over here, the New Design for Living, is a new life-force coursing through our veins. We are in a new world! THE WORLD OF RECOVERY!