Later on, the fig tree was a biblical symbol of plenty and prosperity. These trees grow almost spontaneously in Israel, wherever there is a spring or stream. One can usually locate hidden springs ...

The Talmud’s discussion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also mentions a special New Year just for trees. This Jewish Arbor Day, called Tu B’Shvat, falls on the 15th of the Hebrew month of ...