Tu B’shevat

ט״ו בשבט - Tu B’shevat - February 13

Tu B’shevat occurs on the 15th day of the month of Shevat in the Jewish calendar, this year on February 13th. Tu B’shevat is often called a “New Year for the Trees,” and it is in the early spring season in Israel. Tu B’shevat dates to the Mishnaic period, 2nd century CE, and was used to determine the age of trees, and determining when fruits and crops could be harvested in ancient times.

During Tu B’shevat in Israel, the first blossoms of the year can be spotted as spring begins. Nuts and fruits native to Israel like wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranates, olives, and dates are harvested, and are for that reason traditionally used in the Tu B’shevat seder.

*Children gather carobs and pomegranates in celebration of the “Colony of Rishon LeZion’s” 15-year anniversary in this postcard from 1910. Image: National Library of Israel*

The holiday of Tu B’shevat began to incorporate planting trees in its traditional activities over time, especially in modern-era Israel. This practice began in the 1880s, and rose in 1890 when the first student group went on a “tree-planting expedition” in Zichron Ya’akov. This became a tradition for educational institutions after it was adopted in 1908 by the Jewish Teachers Union, and remains a practiced educational activity in Israel to this day. This tradition has remained so strong that today there are tree-planting competitions between schools from all over the world (and in Israel) during Tu B’shevat.

Many Israelis and Jewish communities around the world participate in planting trees on Tu B’shevat, sometimes through donations to Israeli organizations that organize tree-planting events. The Jewish National Fund often organizaes these activities, and they have been largely influential in the reforestation of Israel for over a century. The connection of Tu B’shevat to the land of Israel highlights the deep spiritual relationship between Judaism and the natural world.

*Photo: Tu BiShvat Celebration by Asher Benari, 1960. The National Library of Israel.*

Over time, this holiday has incorporated environmental and climate change education. These activities emphasize a need to protect the environment, combat climate change, and restore natural habitats. Many artists and public figures participate in Tu B’shevat through hosting events like concerts, educational discussions, galleries, and other activities.

Tu B’shevat not only represents providing, connection to the natural world, and renewal, but also hope for the future. The Tree of Life in Judaism symbolizes spiritual connections and divine wisdom, as referenced in the Torah Beshalach.

This legend describes that when the Israelites only had access to bitter water in Marah, God showed Moses a tree. Once that tree was thrown in the bitter water, the water was sweetened and became drinkable, saving millions of people in the desert. The tree in Judaism symbolizes hope, showing that even in the most desolate times, situations can be turned around, no matter how bleak they may seem.