NEW YORK (JTA) — Though deep in the winter of North America, we American Jews allow our hearts to warm slightly as we mark Tu B’Shevat — the “New Year of Trees,” when the earliest fruits in the Land of Israel begin to form on the trees.
Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, is remembered as the Biblical character with the longest lifespan: 969 years (Genesis 5:27). Apparently owing to the prodigious dimensions of his age, Methuselah’s name is also used to designate over-sized wine bottles: those containing six litres (203 ounces) and... Continue Reading ⇒
The New Orleans Jewish Community Day School has announced plans to celebrate Tu B’Shevat on Sunday, January 28 with the Living Green Family Festival. The event will take place on Bart Field at the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
(JNS.org) — The Midrash in Kohelet Rabbah teaches that God told man He created everything for him. “Be careful not to spoil or destroy my world—for if you do, there will be nobody after you to repair it,” God said.
(JTA) — Trees have stories, and Israel’s trees have lots of stories. Scattered throughout the country, scores of ancient and historic trees help shed light on fascinating aspects of Israeli history, from the biblical to the modern, that are often overlooked by the average tourist.
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting is holding its annual Scout Shabbat weekend beginning tonight, which coincides with the observance of the Tu B’Shevat holiday. Known at “the New Year of the Trees,” the holiday celebrates nature and respect for the outdoors.
This celebration of nature is especially profound within... Continue Reading ⇒
JERUSALEM (JTA) – The rabbinic tract Midrash Kohelet Raba tells us that when God created Adam, He took him to see each and every tree and plant, telling him to “make sure you do not degrade and spoil my planet – for if you do, there will... Continue Reading ⇒
LOS ANGELES (JTA) — For the last three years, I’ve celebrated Tu B’Shevat — the Jewish New Year of the Trees — by organizing a participatory seder in a nearby canyon-top park.
The seder usually includes about 10 to 15 people from my group, the Movable Minyan — a... Continue Reading ⇒
LOS ANGELES (JTA) — If Tu b’Shevat is such a happy New Year for Trees, why am I sucking lemons?
The holiday, usually a time for planting — except this year in Israel, where many are observing the shmitta year by not planting — for me... Continue Reading ⇒
