Holidays - Tu B'Shevat

Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat) is the Jewish new year for trees. In January/February in the Land of Israel, trees begin to form their fruit. This is also an excellent time for planting new saplings. For Jews living in most places in the diaspora, Tu B’Shevat falls in the middle of cold winters. Over the centuries, therefore, the holiday has served as an important link between Jews and the land of Israel. In recent years, its commemoration has been used to heighten the awareness of ecology and the responsibility of each person to preserve and enhance the earth.

For more information on how to make your own Tu B’Shvat Seder and to learn more about Jewish views on the environment, explore the articles and links below. Further resources are available in the Beth El library and from the rabbis.

Additional Resources

MyJewishLearning.com - Gateway to Jewish Exploration

JewishEncyclopedia.com - Online Jewish Encyclopedia

Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life