Tu B’Shvat

Origins of Tu B’Shvat

Literally translated as “the 15th of the month of Shevat,” Tu B’Shvat aligns with a full moon—a perfect time for community gatherings. Often referred to in the Mishnah as the “New Year for the Trees,” this date determined when a tree was mature enough for its fruit to be harvested according to biblical law. In later centuries, Jewish communities separated from their homeland reframed Tu B’Shvat in more spiritual contexts—most famously, the 16th-century Kabbalists, who created a Tu B’Shvat Seder rich in symbolic fruits, nuts, and wines.

Teachings: Trees, Torah, and Us

Jewish tradition has long seen trees and humans as intertwined in purpose and growth. Tu B’Shvat highlights this bond by encouraging us to re-examine how we nurture our own spiritual and physical “roots.”

How We Celebrate: Edible Symbolism

• Seven Species: Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates each represent a distinct spiritual quality.
• Four Cups: Modeled after Passover, a Tu B’Shvat Seder sometimes includes four cups of wine or juice in gradually shifting shades (white to red) to symbolize the seasons.
• Kabbalistic Fruit: Some fruits have inedible shells or pits, while others are entirely edible—or purely aromatic. Each category corresponds to deeper mystical realms, reminding us how creation flows from physical matter to pure spirit.

Try This at Home

Because Tu B’Shvat isn’t ritual-heavy, there’s room for creativity!

• Plant Seeds (like parsley) so they’re ready in time for Passover.
• Take a Tree Walk and photograph local trees that inspire you.
• Join a Tree-Planting Effort in your neighborhood or donate trees in Israel.
• Community Cleanup: Partner with your city to pick up trash, or learn how to recycle and compost more effectively.