A piece on Tu B'Shvat from Rav Mottle Zilber's sefer Ta'abas HaZahav. On Tu B'Shvat, the sap goes up the tree and on Shavuos, the bikkurim (first fruits) of the tree are offered. Tu B'Shvat is the beginning of the journey to Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). Torah is like oil in that it can descend to the lowest depths and bring people up. The middah (trait) of Hod (splendor) is the fifth in the sefiros and corresponds to the fifth month, Shevat, and to the 5th parsha of Sefer Shemos, Parshas Yisro. Moshe's staff, which had the names Asher and Dan inscribed on it, was able to bring the Jews out from the lowest place.