Tu Bishvat - the New Year for Trees

Tu Bishvat, also known as the New Year for Trees, is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat and this year it will be celebrated on February 12th. This holiday marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle for fruit-bearing trees in Israel. It is a time to appreciate and celebrate nature and the environment.

Traditionally, people celebrate Tu Bishvat by planting trees and eating fruits, especially those associated with the land of Israel, such as figs, dates, grapes, and olives. In recent years, it has also become a time to focus on environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Tu Bishvat serves as a reminder of our connection to the earth and our responsibility to care for it. Many Jewish communities around the world hold special events, tree-planting ceremonies, and educational activities to celebrate this holiday.

If you'd like to know more or have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

Tree Planting 1953

The history of Tu Bishvat:

• Agricultural Significance: Tu Bishvat was originally established as the "New Year for Trees" to determine the age of trees for tithing purposes. According to Jewish law, fruit from trees in their first three years must not be eaten, and the fourth year's fruit is designated for religious purposes.
  

• Talmudic Origins: The holiday is mentioned in the Mishnah (1st-2nd century) as one of the four "New Years" in the Jewish calendar. The rabbis debated whether the New Year for Trees should be on the first or fifteenth of Shevat, and ultimately, the fifteenth was chosen.
  

• Kabbalistic Influence: In medieval times, Jewish mystics (Kabbalists) gave Tu Bishvat greater spiritual significance. They saw it as a time to celebrate the divine sparks hidden within physical forms, including trees and fruits. Special rituals and symbolic eating of fruits associated with the land of Israel were introduced.

  
  

  

  Tu-Bishvat Seder Venice 1762

  
  

• Zionist Movement: In modern times, Tu Bishvat became a symbol of Zionist attachment to the land of Israel. The Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) promoted tree planting on Tu Bishvat as a way to connect Jews with the land and contribute to its reforestation.
  

• Environmental Awareness: Today, Tu Bishvat is also celebrated as an ecological awareness day, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.

  
  

Rituals associated with Tu Bishvat:

• Seder Tu Bishvat: Modeled after the Passover Seder, some Jewish communities hold a special Tu Bishvat Seder. This ritual meal involves eating fruits and nuts. The Seder often includes four cups of wine or grape juice, symbolizing the changing seasons.

• Tree Planting: One of the most popular activities on Tu Bishvat is planting trees. This tradition has been embraced by Jews worldwide as a way to contribute to environmental sustainability.

• Eating Fruits: It is customary to eat a variety of fruits, especially dried fruits like figs, dates, raisins, and apricots.

• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Tu Bishvat is often used as an opportunity to focus on environmental awareness and ecological justice. Many communities organize clean-up drives, recycling programs, and educational activities to promote conservation and sustainability.

• Prayers and Blessings: Special prayers and blessings are recited during Tu Bishvat to give thanks for the fruits of the earth and to ask for a fruitful year ahead.