Holiday

Tu B’Shevat

New Year of the Trees
  • Minor Holidays
Tu B’Shevat

Tu B’Shevat

ט”ו בשבט

Too Bi-Sh-Vat

“The Fifteenth of [The Month of] Shevat”

What is Tu B’Shevat

Known as the New Year of the Trees, the date is used to calculate the age of a tree for the purposes of tithing. For the past 500 years, it has become a celebration of the land of Israel and is often observed with a festive meal consisting of the 7 species of the Land of Israel and many other tree fruits.

When is Tu B’Shevat

Shevat 15

Month

Shevat

Alternate Names for Tu B’Shevat

  • Rosh Hashana L’Ilanot – “The New Year for the trees”

Customs of Tu B’Shevat

  • Seven Species – The verse in Deuteronomy describes the 7 species of the Land of Israel: “a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey” (Deuteronomy 8:8). It is customary to eat 1 of each of these foods on Tu B’Shevat.
  • Fruit Seder – There is a Kabbalistic tradition to have a “Seder” (lit. order), where different fruits are eaten and kabbalistic ideas relating to the day and to fruit in particular, are discussed. This idea was expounded upon by the Arizal, a 16th-century Kabbalist from Tzefat.
  • Arbor Day – In contemporary Israel, Tu Bishvat is celebrated as an agricultural holiday. Trees are planted, forests are developed and organizations engage in activities to improve the environment. This is to assist the continuing development of the Land of Israel.

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