TL;DR: Tu B’Shvat, Valentine’s Day, and Tu B’Av may have different origins, but they share a common theme—love, connection, and care. Tu B’Shvat reminds us of our responsibility to nurture both the earth and our communities, Valentine’s Day highlights the universal need for love and kindness, and Tu B’Av celebrates unity and relationships. In a world where Jewish communities face growing challenges, these occasions serve as a call to strengthen our bonds, show compassion, and support one another. Our survival and flourishing as a people depend on the love and care we extend—every day, in every way.

Yesterday, many of us celebrated Tu B’Shvat by eating special foods, attending a seder, planting trees, studying texts and otherwise connecting with nature in our own way. Today is Valentine’s Day and, once again, the focus will be on connection, this time with each other. Folks all over the world will send cards, exchange gifts and otherwise show kindness to one another. Some Israelis actually do this twice a year, today (called Yom HaAhava) and again in the summer on Tu B’Av.

As we reflect on the observance of Tu B’Shvat, the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and the upcoming Tu B’Av in August, we are reminded of the deep and timeless importance of love, connection, and care, both within our immediate circles and across the global Jewish community. While each of these occasions holds distinct cultural and historical significance, they share a powerful message: nurturing relationships, strengthening bonds, and showing compassion for one another are essential to our collective well-being. For the Jewish people, these values are not just traditions but the foundation of our resilience and survival.

Tu B’Shvat marks the New Year for Trees in Jewish tradition. Beyond its agricultural roots, Tu B’Shvat has become a time to reflect on our interconnectedness with the earth and with one another. The symbolism of planting and caring for trees serves as a metaphor for our relationships—where growth and nurturing are vital. As trees depend on their environment to thrive, so too do we depend on the global Jewish community to flourish. In a time when Jewish communities across the world face varying challenges—from political tensions to economic hardship—it is essential that we cultivate not only our own communities but also extend our hands and hearts to those in need. Tu B’Shvat reminds us that we have a responsibility to tend to one another, not only with the same compassion we would extend to the earth, but also with the understanding that Jewish solidarity strengthens the roots from which our future will grow.

Valentine’s Day has evolved from a celebration of romantic love into a broader acknowledgment of love and care for others. For the global Jewish community, this day offers an opportunity to reflect on the universal need for love and connection. While Valentine’s Day may emphasize romantic gestures, its spirit extends beyond couples to encompass the love we share with family, friends, fellow Jews and the rest of humanity. It’s a reminder that love, compassion, and mutual respect are foundational to our identities and that, as Jews, we are called to support and care for others, no matter the distance. This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that every gesture of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to strengthening the fabric of our communities.

Tu B’Av, celebrated on the 15th of Av (which this year is on August 15, 2025), is a day of love, unity, and reconciliation, often described as the Jewish equivalent of Valentine’s Day. Rooted in the Talmud, it emphasizes themes of love, unity, and reconciliation, marking a time when Jewish communities came together for matchmaking and to strengthen relationships. This ancient festival reminds us that love—both romantic and platonic—is central to Jewish identity. It is a time for fostering connection, not only with those within our immediate circles but also with the broader Jewish world. The ties that bind us as Jews are built on acts of care and support, and this day calls us to nurture and celebrate those connections.

Caring for Each Other: The Universal Jewish Mandate

In the face of global challenges—whether rising anti-Semitism, divisions in politics, or the struggles of Jews living in isolated or marginalized communities—the call to care for one another has never been more urgent. In the spirit of these three significant occasions, we must remember that the act of caring for each other transcends formalized celebrations. It is a daily, ongoing commitment to show compassion, empathy, and solidarity.

From the small acts of kindness that strengthen our personal relationships to the collective efforts that ensure the survival and flourishing of the Jewish people, we are called upon to show up for one another. By strengthening these bonds—whether through social media connections, charitable actions, or direct outreach—we embody the values that have sustained the Jewish community for millennia.

As we reflect on Tu B’Shvat, enjoy Valentine’s Day, and look ahead to Tu B’Av, let us take a moment to reflect on the shared responsibility of global Jewry: to love, nurture, and care for one another. The strength of the Jewish people lies not only in our individual communities but also in our capacity to connect and care for each other across borders, cultures, and experiences. It is in this deep, collective care that we ensure our survival, growth, and flourishing as a people—both today and for generations to come.

Shabbat shalom, and may we see the ceasefire hold so all of the remaining hostages can return home,

Sandy Cardin

Founder, Global Jewry

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