Jewish 101: Tu Bishvat
What Is Tu BiShvat?
Tu BiShvat, the fifteenth of the Hebrew month of Shevat, is known as the new year for trees. It was originally an agricultural marker, used for calculating the age of fruit trees for tithing and other Torah-based laws.
A Celebration of the Land
Over time, Tu BiShvat became a celebration of the land of Israel's produce and beauty. In many communities, it is customary to eat fruits, especially those mentioned in the Bible, such as figs, dates, grapes, olives, and pomegranates.
In the sixteenth century, Jewish mystics developed a Tu BiShvat seder, with symbolic foods and blessings. Today the day is also connected with ecological awareness and tree planting, especially in Israel.
The Meaning Today
While it is not a biblical festival, Tu BiShvat has become a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for creation and connection to the land.
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Nir Miller
Netivyah Staff
Nir serves as our Media and Communications Manager. He grew up in the Jordan Valley of Israel and served in an elite combat unit in the IDF. He earned a degree in Business administration with a focus on marketing and advertising. Nir loves to learn new things, cook, play the guitar, and travel to places he's never been. He is married to Naomi, and they have two children.
Glossary
Seder (סֵדֶר) means “order” and most often refers to the structured Passover meal that retells Israel’s redemption from Egypt. Families may also do a seder of special foods and blessings for Rosh Hashanah.
Shevat (שְׁבָט) is the 11th Hebrew month, associated with Tu BiShvat, the new year of trees, usually falling in January-February
Torah (תּוֹרָה) means “instruction” or “teaching” and often refers especially to the Five Books of Moses. Psalm 119:1 reminds us that those who walk in God's Torah are blessed.
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