Displaying 1 - 8 of 8
Tu BiShvat: Customs and Rituals
The Jewish mystics of the 17th century, the Kabbalists, created a special ritual—modeled after the Passover seder—to celebrate God's presence in nature. Today in modern Israel, Tu BiShvat has become a national holiday, a tree planting festivaTu BiShvat is not mentioned in the Torah. Scholars believe the holiday was originally an agricultural festival, corresponding to the beginning of spring in Israel. But a critical historical event helped Tu BiShvat evolve from a simple celebration of spring to a commemoration of our connection to the land of Israel. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. and the exile that followed, many of the exiled Jews felt a need to bind themselves symbolically to their former homeland. Tu BiShvat served in part to fill that spiritual need. Jews used this time each year to eat a variety of fruits and nuts that could be obtained from Israel. The practice, a sort of physical association with the land, continued for many centuries.l for both Israelis and Jews throughout the world
Tu BiShvat: History
Although the celebration of Tu BiShvat has a long and varied history, the theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment.
Why Apples and Honey?
Apples and honey: For many Jews, these words are an inseparable pairing. We dip a slice of apple in honey to express our hopes for a sweet and fruitful year.
Make an Apple into a Honey Bowl
What could be a better way to serve honey on Rosh HaShanah than inside an apple? How appropriate! Read on for instructions on how to make this little fruit bowl and then how to hold a honey tasting for the new year.
What's Happening in the Torah? Rosh HaShanah Activities for Families
Learn how you and your family can pursue social justice during the Jewish high holidays.
Beyond Apples and Honey
In two online sessions, we explored the ideas, themes, spiritual challenges, and opportunities Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur present to us – both as individuals and as parents. We hope that these sessions inspire you to prepare to make the High Holidays worthwhile and meaningful.
A Tu BiShvat Seder Guide for Kids
“Happy birthday to trees! Happy birthday to trees!” Yes, that’s Lila from Shaboom! singing and tree-hugging to kick off a short lesson about Tu BiShvat.