Search

Search Results

Displaying 1 - 10 of 13

Every Day is Earth Day: Jewish Holidays and Environmental Justice

Since 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day every April. By contrast, ancient Jewish celebrations throughout the year remind us of our responsibility to safeguard the fragile planet God has entrusted to our care. Almost all of our Jewish observances reflect environmental concerns.

7 Ways to Celebrate Tu BiShvat – Even in the Winter

For many of us, Tu BiShvat, the Jewish holiday that celebrates trees and the earth, falls in the middle of the coldest, snowiest part of the year. Nonetheless, here are seven ways you can celebrate the new year of the trees and planet Earth

Three rows of small dollops of merengue with a chocolate chip atop each one

Date and Nut Dainties

Recipe by

The Garden City Jewish Center Sisterhood

Dainty date and nut morsels are perfect on Tu BiShvat!

Crusty Olive Bread

Recipe by

Jan Rood-Ojalvo

What could make a crusty loaf of artisanal bread even better? Olives!

Whip Up a Tu BiShvat Feast with Recipes Representing the Seven Species

Collectively known as shivat haminim, the Seven Species are sacred fruits and grains grown in the Land of Israel. Eating these foods, especially during the holiday of Tu BiShvat, has become a popular way for Jews around the world to maintain a connection to Israel.

At Tu BiShvat, Digging for Spiritual Growth

Edmon J. Rodman

While my neighbors were putting their Christmas trees to the curb, in what seems like a ritual of replacement, I was preparing to plant for Tu BiShvat.

Those Who Plant Will Reap: A Tu BiShvat Lesson

Revital Belz

Tu BiShvat is a reminder that we spend our lives planting seeds. Time and effort are needed for our efforts to bear fruit. Wait patiently. One day, like the seed, we will be blessed.

I am familiar with a Passover seder, but what is a Tu BiShvat seder?

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Tu BiShvat (Hebrew for the 15^th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat) is the new year of the trees.

Rosh Chodesh

Hebrew Spelling

רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ

Literally, “head of the month.” Rosh Chodesh marks the beginning of each Hebrew month when there is a new moon (when there is no moon visible in the sky).

Rosh Chodesh: A Monthly Ritual

Arbaah minim

Hebrew Spelling

אַרְבַּעַת הַמִּינִים

Literally, “four species.” The Torah specifies four species to bring together on Sukkot. The four species are: lulav (branches of palm trees), etrog (citron), hadasim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willows) (Leviticus 23:40).

Sukkot, Diversity, and Unity: How Each of Us Is Like the Four Species