Tu BiSh'vat or the "New Year of the Trees" is Jewish Arbor Day. The holiday is observed on the fifteenth (tu)
of Sh'vat. Scholars believe that Tu BiSh'vat was originally an
agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. Today, Tu BiSh'vat has also become a tree planting festival in Israel,
in which both Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or
in memory of a loved one or friend.
Though the observance of Tu BiSh’vat has a long and varied history, the
theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment. It
is considered a festival of nature, full of wonder, joy, and
thankfulness for God’s creation as we anticipate the renewal of the
natural world. During this festival we consider our obligation to care
for God’s world, of which we are the custodians, and our responsibility
for sharing the fruits of God’s earth with all.
Frequently Asked Questions Why do trees get a New Year? Is this holiday in the Torah? What is the history of the seder, and how is one created? Learn the answers to these and other questions.
Seders
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. As with the Passover seder, the Tu BiSh'vat seder evolved to include four cups of wine, but in varying shades of red. Various fruits are also eaten. (Learn more about the history and rituals of the TuBiSh'vat seder in the Frequently Asked Questions.) Here are some seders for you to download and enjoy with your family or community.
Seder created by the RAC and NFTY
This multi-generational seder, although ready to use is easily
adaptable. It includes narration and congregational readings, Hebrew
text, transliteration and translation as well as song lyrics and
suggested meditations.
Adults' Seder from Temple Shalom in Aberdeen, NJ An excellent history of the Tu Bish'vat seder and its customs, along
with pertinent blessings, songs and biblical passages. Excerpted and
adapted from Ari Davidow's seder.
Children's Seder from Temple Shalom in Aberdeen, NJ Focuses on the environmental message of Tu BiSh'vat rather than the form of the Seder. Includes information about the 7 species, diverse flora and fauna, and gives examples of how kids can start saving the environment themselves.
Tu BiSh'vat or the "New Year of the Trees" is Jewish Arbor Day. The holiday is observed on the fifteenth (tu)
of Sh'vat. Scholars believe that Tu BiSh'vat was originally an
agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. Today, Tu BiSh'vat has also become a tree planting festival in Israel,
in which both Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or
in memory of a loved one or friend.
Connect with 
Multimedia: 