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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.
Tu BiShvat: Judaism and the Environment
During Tu BiShvat, we focus our attention towards the environment and environmental issues.
What are the Seven Species?
Wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranate, olive, and date. Collectively they are known as the sheva minim, the seven species of sacred fruits and grains grown in the Land of Israel.
The New Reform Machzor
As a member of the editorial team creating the new High Holy Day prayer book, I can report on behalf of all of us that we are not creating a book, per se, so much as a sacred component that is part of the solution to a problem (or set of problems).
Tzedekah Mutual Fund
A new and successful program to educate congregants about diverse disaster relief initiatives and to raise funds to support people in need throughout the world. Judea Reform Congregation 1933 West Cornwallis Road Durham, NC 27705-5707 918.489.7062 www.judeareform.org Target Groups: Adults, Multi...
Underwear Month
During the High Holy Days and following month, congregation collects packages of underwear to distribute to local homeless community. Community Contact Information: Temple Micah Washington, D.C. http://www.templemicah.org/ Goals: Providing necessary, but often overlooked, items to the homeless...
Year Long Commitment to Tikkun Olam
Social Action calendar was created to allow congregants to choose activities that fit in their schedule. Community Contact Information: Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Indianapolis, IN www.ihcindy.org Goals: Make social action a flexible “one stop shopping” for the congregants. Connect social...
Serving the Hearing Impaired
The Temple opened its High Holiday services to people with hearing difficulties. Congregation Emanuel 51 Grape Street Denver, Colorado 80220 (303) 388-4013 www.congregationemanuel.com Target Groups: Adults, Multi-generational Social Action Program Congregation Emanuel has opened its High Holy Day...
Sowing Bread in the Sea: A Psalm for Tashlich
This piece of liturgy was written for Jews For Racial & Economic Justice in New York City. Its themes will be resonant for residents of so many of our cities and towns. It may be used in your congregation's High Holiday services or Tashlich ceremony, or in other gatherings for worship or protest. You may want to use this psalm as part of the service Tashlich for a Just City.