Our years are full of endings and beginnings. In the Jewish calendar, we mark four different new years. Tu Bishvat, meaning the 15th day of the month of Shvat, is the new year for the trees. It falls on February 6th this year.
What is Tu Bishvat?
Historically, Tu Bishvat served to determine the age of a tree. Every year, each tree became a year older. This was important because, in the first few years of its life, Jewish law forbids harvesting the fruit of a tree. In the fourth year, the fruit was brought as an offering to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
We often don’t think of this time of year as the beginning of Spring. But in Israel and in lower latitudes, the sap in the trees is already rising, and soon, leaves will begin to emerge. While many Jewish holidays are based in agriculture, Tu Bishvat most explicitly demonstrates the Jewish connection to the Earth.
Celebrating Tu Bishvat at Home
Tu Bishvat is built for celebrating at home. The mystical Jews of the 16th and 17th centuries, known as the Kabbalists, created a Tu Bishvat Seder.
The seder involves eating many different types of fruit and discussing their symbolism. More simply, it’s a time to gather different types of fruits and veggies and enjoying eating and comparing them.
Tu Bishvat is also a great excuse to connect with nature – go on a hike, do yard work, or walk around looking at the nature around you.
Celebrate Tu Bishvat at Temple
Tu Bishvat is also a great holiday to celebrate with us at Temple! On Sunday, February 5th, at 2 PM, we will be helping to restore nature at Angle Lake Park in Seatac. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. It will be a great opportunity to connect with nature, and each other, while using our bodies too. Contact Rabbi Fine or Carla Merkow if you have questions.
Join us for a Tu Bishvat themed Shabbat service on Friday, February 10th in Seattle. Chava Mirel will lead us in soulful tunes and we will use the opportunity to bring focus to the holiness of nature.
On Tu Bishvat itself – Monday, February 6th – we are participating in lobbying meetings through the Jewish Earth Alliance with our Senators. Contact Rabbi Fine if you want to be a part of those meetings.