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The way we celebrate Tu BiShvat has changed over the years – a case-in-point of how Jewish life and observance has been transformed in our day, due in no small part thanks to the successes of the State of Israel.

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

Although the celebration of Tu BiShvat has a long and varied history, the theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment.

During Tu BiShvat, we focus our attention towards the environment and environmental issues.

Autumn is upon us. Autumn isn’t the best season just because it’s full of Jewish holidays; it’s also the season of delicious pumpkin-flavored foods. Here are ReformJudaism.org’s best pumpkin-themed recipes.

Even though the High Holidays are over, there is still plenty of celebrating to do. Here are nine things to know about Sukkot, the holiday that follows Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Sari Laufer demonstrates how to hold the lulav and etrog, how to say the blessings, and how to wave it for the holiday of Sukkot. View all of the Sukkot blessings.

Congregation creates a year of programs and opportunities to reflect on and perform tzedakah. Community Contact Information: Mt. Zion Temple St. Paul, MN www.mzion.org Goals: Support and sustain congregational involvement in social justice issues. Support local charitable organizations. Help...