Tu BiShvat

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Environment Jewish
Where:: Israel
Date change rule:: 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat (late January–early February)
Holiday emoji:: 🌳

Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, blossoms every late January or early February. This ecological awareness day invites us to deepen our connection to nature, celebrate the life-giving power of trees, and commit to environmental stewardship. Plant a tree, participate in a Seder, or learn about sustainable practices.

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Expected Tu BiShvat Deals

As a holiday focused on ecological awareness and community, Tu BiShvat inspires unique forms of engagement rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Jewish National Fund (JNF) often host tree-planting drives and fundraising campaigns, encouraging donations to support reforestation efforts in Israel and beyond. Local synagogues and Jewish community centers may organize communal Tu BiShvat Seders, offering opportunities to learn about the holiday’s agricultural roots and environmental significance. Brands committed to sustainability, such as eco-friendly retailers or organic food companies, might highlight their practices or partner with environmental non-profits for donation-matching initiatives. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness campaigns as February 2 approaches.

Platform Guide for Tu BiShvat

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TuBiShvat. Share photos of tree planting, nature walks, or your Tu BiShvat Seder preparations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TuBiShvat. Tweet facts about trees, environmental issues, or share links to tree-planting initiatives.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TuBiShvat. Share community events, educational resources, or personal reflections on nature.

Tu BiShvat Hero

Rabbi Akiva

Rabbi Akiva, a prominent sage of the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, is often associated with the development of the Tu BiShvat Seder. His teachings emphasized the importance of the land of Israel and its agricultural cycles, which are central to the holiday's themes. The Seder, a festive meal with fruits and nuts, draws inspiration from his interpretations of Jewish law and tradition.

History of Tu BiShvat

The name ‘Tu BiShvat’ has its roots in the Hebrew date of the holiday. Traditionally, the holiday occurs on the 15th day of Shevat. ‘Tu’ represents Tet and Vav, Hebrew letters with the numerical value of nine and six respectively, which add up to 15. ‘Tu BiShvat’ is also called ‘Hamisha Asar BiShvat’ or the ‘15th of Shevat.’

In the Middle Ages, Tu BiShvat was celebrated with a feast just like the Mishnaic description. In the 16th century, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed, who is recognized as the father of modern Kabbalah, invented a Tu BiShvat seder that gave the fruits and trees of Israel symbolic meaning. He taught his disciples that bringing all living things to spiritual perfection could be achieved by eating ten fruits and drinking four cups of wine while reciting the appropriate blessings, all in a specific order.

In Israel today, many religious and secular Jews still celebrate the kabbalistic Tu BiShvat seder. In the Hasidic community, some Jews pick citrus fruits on Sukkot and eat them on Tu BiShvat. Some pray that they will be worthy of delicious and nutritious fruits on the following Sukkot. Also more commonly called Israeli Arbor Day by the international media, organizations that focus on the environment have adopted the holiday to promote their awareness programs. In Israeli kibbutzim, Tu BiShvat is celebrated as an agricultural holiday.

Tu BiShvat timeline

232 - 31 B.C.

Judaism is Born

Judaism appears in Greek records for the first time during the Hellenistic period.

16th Century

The Beginning of Tu BiShvat Seder

Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed starts celebrating Tu BiShvat with the eating of fruits and drinking of wine.

18th Century

The Jewish Emancipation

Demands for less restrictive laws and integration into the wider European society are raised.

1948

Israel is Born

The State of Israel starts absorbing hundreds of thousands of Jews from all over the world.

1999

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (G.S.P.C.)

The GSPC is established to slow the pace of plant extinction around the world.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Tu BiShvat

Local businesses can honor Tu BiShvat by promoting sustainable practices and engaging with their communities. Restaurants might feature plant-based dishes or source ingredients from local, sustainable farms. Nurseries and garden centers can host workshops on tree planting or offer discounts on saplings. Any business can partner with a local environmental group for a tree-planting event, or donate a portion of sales to an ecological cause, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Tu BiShvat FAQs

When is Tu BiShvat?

In 2027, Tu BiShvat begins at sundown on Friday, January 22, and is observed all day Saturday, January 23. This marks the Jewish New Year for Trees.

How is Tu BiShvat celebrated?

Observances for Tu BiShvat in 2027 will focus on connecting with nature and environmentalism. Families and communities will gather for Seders, enjoying the ‘seven species’ of Israel and reflecting on the importance of trees and ecological responsibility.

What is the significance of Tu BiShvat?

For 2027, Tu BiShvat serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to the Earth and our responsibility as stewards of the environment. It’s a day to appreciate the cycle of nature, promote sustainability, and engage in acts that benefit the planet, such as planting trees.

What are the 'seven species' of Israel?

In 2027, the ‘seven species’ remain central to Tu BiShvat celebrations, symbolizing the bounty of the land. These include grains like wheat and barley, fruits such as grapes, figs, pomegranates, and dates, and olives, highlighting Israel’s rich agricultural heritage.

How to Observe Tu BiShvat

Plant a tree
The best way to celebrate Tu BiShvat is by planting a tree. Plant a tree in your backyard, neighborhood park, or community garden.
Care for your plants
Spend some time with your plants on Tu BiShvat. Water, trim, and care for them. Spending time in the company of trees and plants can significantly elevate your mood.
Gift a plant
Plants make for a very thoughtful gift. On Tu BiShvat, gift your loved ones seeds, plants, or flowers.

5 Facts About Trees That Will Blow Your Mind

Plants can heal
Hospital patients who see fresh green trees from their rooms heal faster than those who don't.
The world’s oldest clonal tree cluster
Found in Utah, U.S., D.N.A. testing has indicated that the group is about 80,000 years old.
Banana trees have no wood
The main stalk of a banana tree is fibrous, and internal water pressure keeps it standing.
We are losing a lot of trees
Nearly 16 billion trees are lost every year due to deforestation and land use.
Trees drink plenty of water
Each year, a tree can drink about 2000 liters of natural H2O.

Why Tu BiShvat is Important

It makes the world green
With rising concerns of deforestation and climate change, Tu BiShvat encourages us to plant trees and work collectively for a greener future.
It reminds us to be kind
Caring for plants and spending time in their company makes us kinder towards other creatures. It teaches us to understand the intrinsic value of all living beings.
It’s good for us
Studies have shown that surrounding oneself with plants and greenery can beat stress, anxiety, and inculcate positive feelings in us. Celebrating Tu BiShvat brings us happiness and health.