The New Year of the Trees, occurring on the fifteenth of Shevat, Tu B'Shvat is an ancient agricultural new year that has evolved into a celebration of nature, the Land of Israel, and environmental stewardship. It marks the point in the Israeli agricultural calendar when the sap begins to rise in the trees.
In the deep of winter the sap begins to rise, a new year for the trees, quietly underway.
In the Mishnah, Tu B'Shvat is listed as one of four new years, marking the point at which trees begin a new growth cycle for the purposes of agricultural tithes. Kabbalists in 16th-century Safed developed the Tu B'Shvat Seder, a mystical ritual modeled on the Passover Seder, as a way to repair the world through intentional eating of the fruits of the Land of Israel. In the modern era, Tu B'Shvat has taken on powerful ecological significance: it is Jewish Arbor Day, a time to connect to the land, practice environmental awareness, and affirm the Jewish commitment to being stewards of creation. In Israel, it is widely celebrated with tree planting.
Tree planting is the primary modern observance, in Israel and in diaspora communities worldwide. Some communities hold a Tu B'Shvat Seder, eating fruits and nuts associated with the Land of Israel, particularly the seven species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Four cups of wine or juice, shifting from white to red, symbolize the seasons. Schools and youth groups often hold nature walks and environmental education programs. Tzedakah campaigns focused on ecology and environmental justice are organized. The holiday has become a focal point for Jewish environmentalism.
Chag Tu B'Shvat Sameach, Happy New Year of the Trees
Tu B'Shvat is a minor holiday without a widespread spoken greeting; "Chag Sameach" ("happy festival") is perfectly appropriate if you wish to mark it.
“When you besiege a city for a long time, while making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; if you can eat of them, do not cut them down to use in the siege, for the tree of the field is man's life.”Deuteronomy 20:19
Tu B'Shvat 2027 begins at sundown on Friday, January 22 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, January 23.
The 'New Year of the Trees,' an agricultural date that has become a Jewish celebration of nature and environmental stewardship.
By planting trees, eating fruits and nuts (especially the seven species of the Land of Israel), and sometimes holding a Tu B'Shvat seder.
'Tu' spells the number fifteen in Hebrew letters, the holiday falls on the fifteenth of the month of Shevat.
Sundown, Fri Jan 22 – nightfall, Sat Jan 23, 2027
Like all Jewish days, Tu B'Shvat begins at sundown the evening before. It is a minor holiday with no restrictions on work.
Chag Tu B'Shvat Sameach, Happy New Year of the Trees