Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat Quick Facts - CA

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2024 DateJanuary 25, 2024

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Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat, also known as the "New Year for Trees", is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. This observance is marked by practices such as eating a variety of fruits, particularly those mentioned in the Torah, like grapes, figs, and pomegranates, as well as planting trees. Despite its origins in ancient Jewish law, Tu Bishvat carries a broader ecological significance, encouraging respect for nature and raising awareness about the environment.

The observance of Tu Bishvat originally arose from an agricultural practice in ancient Israel, where this day marked a cut-off point for determining the age of a tree, which influenced the levying of taxes. Today, for Canadians, Tu Bishvat holds significance not only as a part of Jewish cultural heritage, but also for its emphasis on environmental awareness. This holiday serves as a reminder to Canadians of all backgrounds about the importance of preserving the planet, reflecting the Canadian values of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

In Canada, Jewish communities mark Tu Bishvat with various activities that echo the holiday's themes. The undertaking of planting trees, while more challenging in the Canadian winter, is symbolic and deeply meaningful. Communities may also partake in "Tu Bishvat Seders", a ritual meal inspired by Passover Seders, but focusing on fruits and the agricultural bounty. The educational aspect, particularly in teaching younger generations about environmental care, remains a key component of the holiday's observance. Tu Bishvat's date is not tied to the Gregorian calendar but the Hebrew one, and it usually takes place in late January or early February.

Facts & quotes about Tu Bishvat

  • It is customary on Tu Bishvat to eat fruits of the Land of Israel, particularly those of the Biblical verse A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey (Deuteronomy 8:8). The honey in this verse refers to date honey, according to tradition. Another custom is to plant trees in Israel.
  • On Tu BiShvat, we remember that Man is a Tree of the Field (Deuteronomy 20:19). It explains that we may not cut down trees during the siege of a city. The tree of the field is man's life to be used in and after the siege.
  • In the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Tu Bishvat is symbolic of the Tree of Life.
  • Another popular activity for Tu Bishvat in Canada is tree planting. Many Jewish Canadians use this day to plant trees or donate to organizations like the Jewish National Fund, which supports tree planting in Israel.
  • The holiday's name, "Tu Bishvat," comes from the Hebrew calendar date of the 15th of the month of Shevat. The word "Tu" is an acronym formed from the letter "tet" (representing the Hebrew number 9) and "vav" (representing the Hebrew number 6), adding up to 15.

Top things to do in Canada for Tu Bishvat

  • Say Blessings for new Fruit. Two blessings are said for new fruits (which have not yet been eaten that year), namely the standard blessing for fruits ..Who created the fruits of the tree and ..Who kept us alive, and sustained us and allowed us to reach this day.
  • Attend a Tu Bishvat tisch which is popular in Hasidic communities. A Tisch is the Yiddish word for table. It refers to a festive meal with Holy Land fruits, wine, bread, fish and other foods.

Tu Bishvat references and related sites

Robert Goodman, Teaching Jewish Holidays: History, Values, And Activities, A.R.E. Publishing, 1997

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