RFCJ RECIPE ARCHIVE
Posted by : Karen Selwyn TU B'SHEVAT SEDER Wines and Fruits
Four different levels of wine are drunk and three levels of fruit are eaten during the Tu B'Shevat seder meal. The precise number of fruits varies widely from fifteen to over a hundred depending upon minhag [custom], but all the fruit fall into one of three categories. The first cup of wine is a dry white wine, served quite chilled to represent dormant nature during winter. The second cup of wine is pale colored (a pale rose or a mixture of red and white wine) to represent the beginnings of spring with sap rising in the trees. The third cup of wine is more intensely colored but is still light (a darker rose). This cup symbolizes the blooming trees and the sowing of seeds. The fourth and final cup of wine is a rich red color to represent trees which are heavy with ripe fruit and crops ready for harvest. There are three levels of fruit. The fruit is served cut-up on platters and is passed around during the seder. The symbolism of the fruits is explained below. Fruit with an inedible covering (e.g. bananas, avocados, melons) is the lowest level of fruit and represents a body covering a soul. This type of fruit is served after the first glass of wine. Fruit which is edible except for a pit (e.g. plums, apricots, peaches, cherries) symbolizes the heart that is protected. This type of fruit is served after the second glass of wine. Fruit which can be eaten in its entirety (e.g. blueberries, strawberries, grapes, apples, pears) symbolizes pure spiritual creation. This type of fruit is eaten after the third glass of wine. Karen Selwyn
