What is Tu B'Shvat?
Get out and plant a tree
Rav Kook
“All my days I have been careful never to pluck a blade of grass or a flower needlessly, when it had the ability to grow or blossom. You know the teaching of our sages that not a single blade of grass grows here on Earth that does not have an angel above it, commanding it to grow. Every sprout and leaf says something meaningful, every stone whispers some hidden message in the silence—every creation sings its song.”
In the post...
You should have now received a package in the post from us which includes this seed paper. Just soak the seed paper overnight, tear it up, plant under a thin layer of soil and water gently and regularly until seedlings sprout!
Tu B'Shvat
Welcome to the Tu B'Shvat page!
Tu B’Shvat, which literally means the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Sh’vat, is known as the New Year for Trees.
In biblical times this date was the starting point for agricultural tithes and for calculating the age of trees; its modern focus is more to do with the environment and our relationship with nature.
In the 17th century, Kabbalists created a ritual for Tu B'Shvat that is similar to a Passover seder. Today, many Jews hold a modern version of the Tu B'Shvat seder each year.
This year it takes place from 27th-28th January.
Tu B'Shvat Video from the Shinshinim
JCast from Mr Rosenberg
Honi the Circle Maker (RJUK)
On Tu B’Shvat we often hear the story of Honi the circle maker:
One day, Honi the Circle Maker was walking on the road and saw a man planting a carob tree. Honi asked the man, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit? The man replied, “Seventy years.”
Honi then asked the man, “And do you think you will live another seventy years and eat the fruit of this tree?” The man answered, “Perhaps not. However, when I was born into this world, I found many carob trees planted by my father and grandfather. Just as they planted trees for me, I am planting trees for my children and grandchildren so they will be able to eat the fruit of these trees.”
How can the story of Honi the circle maker help us think about the environment? What are we doing now that will impact the lives of those who come after us?