How Will You Celebrate Tu B’Shevat
Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish festival that marks the beginning of the new year for trees. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which usually falls in February. This year it falls on the evening of 12th February and all day on 13th February. This holiday is not about reaping the fruits of our efforts; instead, it is a time to “invest in the future” through planting, waiting and watching.
How is Tu B’Shevat celebrated?
- Eating fruit: People eat many different fruits and nuts that remind us of the Land of Israel, especially what are known as the “seven species” wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.
- Meals with friends: people invite their friends and family for a big meal together.
- Ceremonial meals:A seder is created, which is largely modelled after the Passover seder and includes reading biblical and rabbinic passages.
- Tree planting or donations towards tree planting: Trees are planted to celebrate the New Year for Trees.
What is the significance of Tu B’Shevat?
Nowadays, Tu B’Shevat is an environmental holiday and signifies the renewal of nature, reflecting on our relationship with the environment. Jewish people around the world consider this day as a way to remind themselves of their duty to care for the natural world. Many Jews take part in a tree-planting ceremony or collect and send money to Israel for them to plant a tree there.
How can you celebrate Tu B’Shevat?
- Plant a tree.
- Learn the bracha (blessing) for eating fruit.
- Make a birdhouse to put on a tree.
- Try a new fruit.
- Eat one of the seven species.
- Attend a litter pickup in your area.
- Learn about local recycling facilities.
What will you be doing on Tu B’Shevat?