A Tu B'Shevat Seder
Tu B’Shevat, also known as the birthday of the trees, is an opportunity to strengthen our connection to the environment. In Israel, the holiday of Tu B’Shevat arrives along with the first signs of spring, on the fifteenth (“tu”) day of the month of Shevat. This is perfect timing as the trees are beginning to blossom for the coming year.
Fun fact: According to Jewish law, a tree’s fruit is ready for picking when it turns three. Tu B’Shevat helped ancient farmers mark where the trees were in the growing process.
Many families have a Tu B’Shevat seder, or ceremonial meal. Just as at a Passover seder, symbolic foods are eaten in a special order in celebration of the important role trees play in our life. It’s traditional to eat Israeli fruits, such as figs, dates, and carobs. It’s also customary to eat fruits you haven’t tasted before, and to say the Shehecheyanu (a blessing of gratitude when experiencing something new).
On Tu B’Shevat it’s tradition to snack on nuts, dried fruit, and other grains.