Date
Friday
Jan
24

January 24

Tu BiShvat

Join us in honoring Tu BiShvat, the vibrant Jewish 'New Year for Trees' — a day for environmental stewardship and delicious fruits!

Type
Day
Country
Israel

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the wonder of nature on Tu BiShvat, falling this year on January 24th! This unique day, also known as the 'New Year for Trees', is steeped in Jewish tradition and environmental awareness. Coining back to the Talmudic times, Tu BiShvat was established as the cut-off date for determining the age of a fruit-bearing tree. Today, it serves as an annual reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet and appreciate its bounty, typically marked with joyful feasts of fruit and nuts. So join us in honoring our earthly home and its delicious gifts on this special occasion!

Tu BiShvat Timeline

1st-2nd Century CE
Tu BiShvat's Inception
First mentioned in the Mishnah, Tu BiShvat was established as a date for calculating tree age for tithing purposes.
16th Century CE
Kabbalistic Influence
The Jewish mystics of Safed revitalized Tu BiShvat, adding deep mystical significance and inaugurating the "Tu BiShvat Seder" practice.
1880s
First Modern Jewish Arbor Day
Rabbi Ze'ev Yavetz proposed a new tradition of planting trees on Tu BiShvat, which served as inspiration for Jewish National Fund's tree planting efforts.
1901
Jewish National Fund Founded
The establishment of the Jewish National Fund significantly contributed to reforestation efforts in Palestine and the modern State of Israel.
1970s
Environmental Awareness Revival
As environmental consciousness rose globally, Tu BiShvat gained renewed significance as an ecological holiday, a 'Jewish Earth Day'.

How to Celebrate Tu BiShvat

1

Plant a tree

In keeping with tradition, the most meaningful way to celebrate Tu BiShvat is by planting a tree. Whether in your backyard or as part of a local community project, this act reinforces our deep-rooted connection to the earth.

2

Host a fruit and nut feast

Another customary way to celebrate is by hosting a feast featuring a plethora of fruits and nuts. Gather family and friends for this yearly tradition that encourages appreciation and mindful consumption of nature's yield.

3

Take a nature hike

Explore the local terrain, take a deep breath of fresh air, admire the trees and appreciate the beauty of nature. This can be followed by a small picnic consisting of fruits and nuts under the shade of the trees.

4

Create a fruit-bearing garden

Transform part of your backyard into a fruit-bearing garden. Not only does this serve as a nod to the tradition of Tu BiShvat, but it also provides a lasting gift to nature and a delightful harvest in the months to come.

5

Participate in environmental activism

Make an impact this Tu BiShvat by participating in local or global environmental initiatives. It could be cleanup drives, participating in climate change discussions or forwarding the cause of environmental activists. This not only honors the tradition but also helps make a tangible difference.

Why Tu BiShvat is Important

A

Restoring Connection with Nature

Tu BiShvat encourages an appreciation of the natural world and our responsibilities to care for it. The holiday fosters stewardship and promotes a deep-rooted connection with the planet, emphasizing our role in preserving the environment for future generations.

B

Enjoyment of Fruits and Nuts

One of the joys of Tu BiShvat is the traditional feast featuring a large variety of fruits and nuts. This not only provides a chance to enjoy delicious bounty with loved ones, but also serves as a reminder of the earthly gifts provided by trees.

C

Foster Environmental Awareness

The celebration of Tu BiShvat also extends into activism. Commemorating this special event by engaging in environmental initiatives locally or globally reinstates the significance of being proactive in matters of climate change and other environmental issues. This holiday serves as a platform to make a tangible difference to our environment, thereby honoring the spirit of Tu BiShvat.