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“Some say that I can be rough around the edges at times and that I am difficult to get to know. However, once people get to know me they discover that I am easy-going and likeable.”

“People describe me as approachable and quite friendly, willing to talk with anyone about almost anything.  What no one knows, however, is that my heart is quite heavy, as I am dealing with a great deal of sadness in my life.”

“I am really at a good and sweet place in my life at present.  I feel healthy, I have a wonderful family, I am blessed with terrific friends, and I enjoy my career.  It’s nice to greet each day with a sense of joy and gratitude.”

Of these three distinct personal scenarios, which one most closely reflects you?  Was there ever a time in your life when either of the other two options would have been the scenario you picked?  

Many may have noticed the magnificent full moon in last night’s sky.  Not only beautiful, it also informed the Jewish world that we are in the middle of the Hebrew calendar month of Shevat.  Actually the 15^th day of Shevat, last night and today are known perhaps more familiarly as Tu B’Shevat.  Tu B’Shevat is recognized as the New Year for the Trees in Jewish tradition, and observances have typically included ways we might show an appreciation of nature, with celebrations focusing on the environment, water, trees and their produce, etc.  Centuries ago, Jewish mystics even developed a Tu B’Shevat Seder during which participants consume three different types of fruits and nuts:

• those which have a hard exterior or rind, but which are delicious and edible once you get through (e.g. melons, oranges, most nuts);
• those which are easy and delicious to bite into, but which contain a pit at the center (e.g. peaches, plums, apricots); and
• those which are entirely and deliciously edible (e.g. strawberries, blueberries).

The sages of our tradition taught that by consuming produce from all three categories, we have the potential to connect to all of God’s creation with greater spiritual depth and meaning.  But the sages also expanded their interpretation, teaching that each type of fruit is also representative of a distinct type of individual.  The rabbinic lesson reminds us of the diversity of humankind, all of which are created in the Divine image.

Clearly, this teaching is what informed the three distinct opening personality profiles.  However, while the rabbis teach that the three profiles represent distinct individuals and personality types in our community, I also contend that all three depictions capture each one of us at various times and places in our lives.  Are there not times when we are guarded on the outside, or situations about which we have become hardened internally, and also seasons when all seems to be right in the world?  I imagine that all of us know each of these sentiments.  Recognizing our individual complexity and diverse experiences, particularly at Tu B’Shevat when we intentionally consume a variety of fruits, provides us a spiritually meaningful opportunity to connect even more deeply and fully with nature in all its particular diversity, and consequently, with all of God’s creation and magnificent world as well.