The Holiday of Trees and Nature: Tu BiShvat

Tu BiShvat, meaning the 15th of the month of Shevat on the Jewish calendar, is known as the day that marks the beginning of a 'new year' for trees. This date was chosen since the most productive rains on the land of Israel continue until the 15th of Shevat. Tu BiShvat, which is one of the four new years in the Jewish calendar, is the time when nature gets ready for spring. After this day, the trees wake from their winter sleep, bloom, and fill with flowers and fruits.

On the eve of Tu BiShvat, as we eat fruits that nature has given us, we contemplate the phases they have gone through, from being a seed until coming to our table, and how all these are in fact miracles.

Even though Tu BiShvat is not a religious festival, in the framework of the Holy Torah's countless laws that obligate us to open our eyes and act responsibly and compassionately toward the world around us, it is a holiday that reminds us of the importance of planting trees, making us aware of our responsibilities towards the environment and nature, of God's blessings, and grateful for natural miracles. On Tu BiShvat we remember that acting with compassion toward nature and the world is one of our most important responsibilities and obligations.

Tu BiShvat reminds us that in the life cycle, spring comes after winter, light comes after dark, and according to Jewish belief, new happy beginnings are on the doorstep and will be arriving in the blink of an eye.

This year we are celebrating the Tu BiShvat Holiday on Thursday, January 25th, starting on the evening of Wednesday, January 24th.

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