Tu BShevat Resources

Tu B’Shevat is the New Year of Trees, falling on the 15th day of the month of Shevat. It may seem early to celebrate trees, but the idea is that we mark the very first shoots of spring in Israel, and it’s certainly nice during deepest, darkest midwinter to look forward to more hospitable weather. 

Scholars believe that originally Tu BiShvat was an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. In the 17th century, Kabbalists created a ritual for Tu BiShvat that is similar to a Passover seder. Today, many Jews hold a modern version of the Tu BiShvat seder each year. The holiday also has become a tree-planting festival in Israel, in which Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or in memory of loved ones and friends. In later years many celebrations have also added a focus on Global Warming and Sustainability. 

In addition to participating in a Seder, there are many ways to celebrate Tu B'Shevat. Below is some external resources to serve as inspiration for you to get started. Let us know if you have found any other activities or recipes which you think we should display here as well.

• 9 Ways to Celebrate Tu B'Shevat with Children - PJ Library 
• Tu B'Shevat Books
• Plant your own greens, vegetables and trees
• Tu B'Shevat Colouring Pages
• Travis the Three - A Story and Activity for Tu B'Shevat 
• Tu B'Shevat Handprint Tree

• 7 Species Challah
• Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese and Honey
• Spring Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Lemon
• Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup
• Bread Kugel with Dried Fruit and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• 7 Species Kugel
• Pomegranate Salmon
• Moroccan Sweet Couscous with Mixed Dried Fruits
• Orange Date Muffins
• Cocodate Cookies
• Fresh Fig Tarts
• Chocolate and Dried Fruit Bars