Wednesday is the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. It’s also the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, otherwise known as the “New Year for Trees” or, sometimes, the “Jewish Arbor Day.” If you grew up attending Hebrew school, you might remember planting seeds in paper cups, eating fruit or singing songs about trees to celebrate this holiday.
But, as adults, if we are not Jewish educators or scholars, many of us have forgotten the original significance of the holiday. In ancient times, the ages of trees were calculated for tithing purposes. Tu B’Shevat was the day on which each tree celebrated its “birthday.” Under Jewish law, fruit from trees under three years of age could not be eaten. Fruit from trees in their fourth year was brought to Jerusalem as a tithe or simply reserved for G-d. However, in the fifth year a tree produced fruit, it could be eaten.
Though some Orthodox Jews still observe the practice of not eating fruit from trees under five years old, most of us don’t think twice about this ancient tradition. Besides, it would be nearly impossible for us to determine the age of the tree when we buy our fruit at the nearest Trader Joe’s or Ralphs.
Many Jews have taken to celebrating Tu B’Shevat as though it were a “Jewish Earth Day.” In Israel, hundreds of thousands of Israelis plant trees for the holiday. Some local religious school classes teach their students about recycling and sustainability during the holiday.
Here are three easy, family-friendly ways you can celebrate Tu B’Shevat this year:
- Make a local tree dedication in honor or memory of a loved one or volunteer to plant trees with the Tree People.
- Organize a Tu B’Shevat seder to eat fruit and nuts and give thanks for everything provided to us by trees.
- Visit your local farmer’s market to buy sustainable groceries for the week.
What’s your plan for Tu B’Shevat? We want to hear about it! Share your comments below.
