Celebrating the Environment: Tu b'Shvat

Tu b'Shvat begins the evening of Wednesday, January 27 this year. It's too bad more people don't know much about this lovely biblical celebration of nature.

​Technically, this date - the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat - marks the beginning of the agricultural year. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, Jewish farmers were required to tithe a portion of their crops to support the priesthood. The middle of Shvat marks the end of the rainy season in Israel; almond trees begin to blossom, so ancient farmers used this date to designate the beginning of the new crop year. 

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After the Second Temple was destroyed and Jews were exiled from the Land, Tu b’Shvat took on special meaning as an expression of our connection to the Land and longing to return. But it was the Kabbalists living in northern Israel centuries later who established Tu b’Shvat as the holiday we know today. They expanded their understanding of the day, not just as a celebration of the renewal of agricultural life, but as a time to rejoice in all of God’s creation.
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These spiritual men created the first Tu b’Shvat Seder, basing its structure on the Passover Seder. In the nearly 2,000 years since, the Tu b’Shvat Seder has evolved into an expression of our joy over nature, our strong ties to the Land of Israel, and our commitment to protecting the environment.

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Sadly, today, at least in the US, Tu b'Shvat has been relegated to nursery and Hebrew school celebrations. But the seder is rich with symbolism and self-reflection that offers deep meaning for grown ups of all ages.

​Especially now, while the Corona virus pandemic keeps us home and the days run into one another, Tu b'Shvat offers an opportunity to prepare a special meal and look forward to spring. 

To embrace the spirit of the holiday, it's traditional to enjoy a vegetarian meal - a menu incorporating Israeli cuisine is especially appropriate.

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My family will join together in a seder via Zoom. Because everyone is quarantining and busy with children, school and work, I prepared seder kits. I shipped them to my out-of-town children and delivered one to my sister, here in Cincinnati. Our son is local too, so he will join us in person.

Click here for the recipes.
Curried Coconut Cocktail Nuts
Spiced Olives
Dried Fruit Biscotti
​Besamim (Spice Sachet)

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If you would like a copy of my Tu b'Shvat seder, click here, fill out the contact form and leave a note. I am happy to send you a PDF for you to use with your friends and family.
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Tu b'Shvat seder kit