The 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, known as Tu B'Shvat, is the New Year for Trees.
Why do we celebrate the New Year for trees so much later than our New Year?
This holiday is very much connected with the rainy season in Israel, (which begins on Sukkot). It takes four months for the rains to saturate the soil, nurture the trees and coax them into producing fruit.
In class we learned that when it rains, the trees drink up the water that has fallen to the ground, it travels up through its trunk, and into the branches. When the weather gets warmer the trees will start budding and leaves, flowers, and, fruits will start to grow.
We also discussed that trees are giving and how we benefit from them in many ways.
The wood from their trunk benefits us because with it we can make blocks, tables, an aron kodesh, and many more things for us to use.
The leaves give us shade when we're hot, and of course, we are so appreciative of its fruits which we can eat, enjoy, and be healthy.
.jpg)
Enjoying 2 of the 7 special fruits of Israel at the Tu B'Shvat party.
Marveling with watered mouths at the beautiful tree cake soon to be eaten.
Ari telling us about figs and apples he brought in for Show'N Tell
Mordechai carefully dicing the fruits for our fruit salad
Emma showing appreciation for plants by watering it.
No comments:
Post a Comment