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Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day)
When Is Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day) 2023?
6Feb2023Mon, Feb 6, 2023 Add to calendar
Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day) 2023
Mon, Feb 6, 2023
Tu B'Shevat, also known as Tu B'Shevet or Tu Bishvat, is the day that trees come of age according to Jewish law. Jewish people mark this day by eating a symbolic meal of fruit and nuts or planting trees.
Tu B'Shevat is the day that trees come of age according to Jewish law.
©iStockphoto.com/ ooyoo
Many Jewish people make a special effort to eat a meal consisting of dried fruit and nuts accompanied by red wine or grape juice. They often share this meal with family members and close friends. Some people pickle or candy the etrog (a citrus fruit) used at the ceremonies during Sukkot and eat it on Tu B'Shevat.
Many Jewish people, particularly in Israel and on kibbutzim, plant trees or take part in activities to further environmental awareness. In this respect, Tu B'Shevat has a lot in common with Arbor Day celebrations around the world.
Tu B'Shevat is not a public holiday in countries such as Israel, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. However, some Jewish organizations may be closed or offer a limited service to allow for festivities to occur on this day.
According to some readings of Jewish law, fruit that ripens in the first three years that a tree gives fruit is considered orlah. This means that it is not kosher and thus not acceptable for Jewish people to eat. Tu B'Shevat marks the "new year" or "birthday" of trees. Fruit that ripens in the third year on or after the 15th day of the month of Shevat is kosher. Traditionally, the fruit that ripened in the fourth year was taken to the temple as a tithe (form of taxation). This is now paid symbolically using coins.
Some Jewish people began to hold a symbolic sedar (meal) on Tu B'Shevat after 1600 CE. This consisted of different types of fruit and nuts, each of which had a specific spiritual meaning. This custom is still alive for some Jewish groups.
Tu B'Shevat is one of four Jewish new years. One of the most well known is Rosh Hashana on the first day of the month of Tishrei. The New Year for kings and festivals is on the first day of the month of Nisan (or Nissan). The New Year for animal tithes is on the first day of the month of Elul.
Important symbols of Tu B'Shevat include different types of dried fruit arranged on a platter, flowering almond trees and the "seven species". These are:
Barley.
Figs.
Grapes.
Olives.
Pomegranates.
The seven species are associated with the Land of Israel in the Torah so they have an important place in Jewish culture.
Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which lasts only one day worldwide, and Rosh Hashana, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora.
This custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon.
The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
Other Names and Languages
Tu biSchevat (Neujahrsfest der Bäume)
Tu bishvat (Trærnes Nyttår), Trærnes nyttår
Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day) in …
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