Tu B'Shvat Holiday Hub

Tu B’Shvat is the New Year of the Trees (or the birthday of the trees!). It is celebrated annually on the 15th (‘tu’ in Hebrew, these letters have the numeric value of 15) of the month of Shvat on the Jewish calendar (in 2022, Tu B'Shevat will begin in the evening on Sunday, January 16, 2022, and end in the evening on Monday, January 17, 2022). Why do we celebrate trees at a time when our trees have lost their leaves and are covered with snow? In Israel, where the Jewish calendar originated, it is the beginning of springtime when almond trees are starting to bloom.

There are many ways to celebrate this holiday. Some people will plant trees (in warmer climates), and some will hold a seder (a special/ceremonial holiday meal) that features and celebrates foods grown from trees. It is a good time to think about how trees are special and to be grateful for what they give us. Even though our climate is not favorable for planting things outside at this time of year, we can do indoor planting projects (like pots of parsley that can then be used at Passover), enjoy tree fruits, and talk about the Earth and what we can do to care for our environment. We hope that the resources in this Holiday Hub will help your family to plant ideas that make your Tu B’Shvat celebrations grow and blossom.