The “Overview Effect” on Tu B’Shevat

By Nina Fondiller Woldin

Many astronauts report a profound shift in perspective towards Earth after seeing it from space, often described as the “Overview Effect.” They experience a deep sense of awe, interconnectedness, and a renewed responsibility to protect the planet due to its fragility and beauty when viewed from afar. This can lead to increased environmental awareness, and a feeling of global unity, as they see Earth as a single fragile sphere without borders.

From a Jewish perspective, I believe Rabbi Arthur Waskow said it best:

“Breathing encompasses not only all humans but all life-forms. What the trees breathe out is what we breathe in; what we breathe out is what the trees breathe in. … It includes not only specific life-forms but the interwoven life-process, in which all earth – even aspects that we often think of as not alive, like rocks and the ozone layer – take part in a planetary breathing.”

Tu B’Shevat is celebrated this week, a good time to reflect on the interconnectedness
of everything on our planet, especially in our current times of struggle and strife.

Tu B’Shevat is celebrated this week, a good time to reflect on the interconnectedness of everything on our planet, especially in our current times of struggle and strife. It might be difficult to feel the wonder of nature and positive energy while experiencing antisemitism and seeing the hostages who returned home in terrible condition this past weekend.

But the Jewish condition is complex: we experience joy and pain simultaneously. Some say, “the kids celebrate, while the adults cry.” We need to joyfully celebrate and be grateful for the wonders of nature – some that we still don’t understand, while at the same time acknowledging our current challenges.

FOR YOU: 

So, this upcoming Tu B’Shevat we might ponder the universe from our own perspectives, and recognize the Divine in that which we still don’t understand fully. Here are some articles towards that end: In groundbreaking research, Tel Aviv U team records plants ‘talking’ for first time and Study: Some Plants Recognize Their Siblings.

We also might celebrate with our families. This Tu B’Shevat, Chai Mitzvah is offering a family a Tu B’Shevat haggadah, part of our Gan 2 Grownups materials, as a Tu B’Shevat gift. I wrote this haggadah, based on the original Pri Etz Hadar, when I was working in the education department of Jewish National Fund and hope you enjoy it! Click here to download. 

1 response to “The “Overview Effect” on Tu B’Shevat”

1. John Woldin says:

   February 10, 2025 at 7:47 pm

   This is an excellent Blog. I enjoyed it immensely! The link was also fascinating, as it showed new discoveries in scientific research into how plant communicate.
   It really is a new paradigm.
   Thank you

   Reply