TU B'SHEVAT

Tu B’Shevat is the national celebration of trees in Israel, likened to Arbor Day in the US. It occurs on the 15^th day of the month of Shevat and scholars believe that it was celebrated, originally, to mark the arrival of spring. While Tu B’Shevat is considered a minor holiday in Judaism, it is nonetheless a festive celebration that promotes earth-centered rituals and activities.

One way to celebrate is by hosting a Tu B’Shevat seder. The emeregence of a Tu B’Shevat seder occurred around the 17^th century and was created by Kabbalists. Similar to a Passover seder, symbolic foods are eaten in a specific order as prayers are recited.

What you'll need for your Tu B'Shevat Seder:

WHITE AND RED GRAPE JUICE OR WINE (ENOUGH FOR FOUR SMALL GLASSES PER PERSON)

1. White to represent bleakness of winter

2. White with a splash of red to represent the awakening of spring.

3. Red with a splash of white to represent late spring.

4. Red to represent the ripeness of the vegetation and the heat of summer.

TASTINGS OF THREE CATEGORIES OF FRUITS OR NUTS

1. Those with an inedible outer covering and edible inside: melons, nuts, pomegranates, coconuts, citrus, bananas, etc.

2. Those with an edible outside but inedible pit inside: dates, olives, plums, peaches, apples, avocados, nectarines, pears, etc.

3. Those that are entirely edible: berries, figs, grapes, etc.

To host your own seder, click on the links below

(information provided by: https://reformjudaism.org/)