After the holiday season dies down and the beginning of February is right around the corner, one holiday often gets pushed to the side: Tu B’Shvat, also known as the new year for the trees.
Tu B’Shvat is typically celebrated with young children planting trees and eating different fruits, and many Jewish day schools and religious schools incorporate the holiday into their curricula.
At Kellman Brown Academy in Voorhees, Morah Orlay, a kindergarten teacher, said the class will compare trees that are in blossom in Israel to the bare trees nearby.
“We will talk about the importance of the trees in our life and will check out all the things made out of wood in our classroom and our homes — this is one of the holidays that makes you stop for a minute and look around to appreciate what is near you. We will learn the parts of the tree in Hebrew, and look at and examine the almond tree circle, and create some art pieces related to Shkedia — the almond tree,” said Orlay.
The classes also read books such as “Hanan HaGanan” in Hebrew and sing songs related to the holiday.
In first grade at Kellman Brown, learning about Tu B’Shvat is centered around exploring the world, with a special focus on trees and plants.
“We begin by learning vocabulary related to the parts of a tree, and the students create a collaborative wall-art display in the classroom that highlights all the parts we have studied,” said Morah Keren, a first-grade teacher at KBA. “Teaching Tu B’Shvat at this age is important because it helps students develop an early appreciation for nature, responsibility and growth. It connects Jewish values to real-life experiences and encourages curiosity, care for the environment and a sense of wonder about the world Hashem created.”
At Perelman Jewish Day School, celebrations aren’t much different. Students give tzedakah to purchase trees through the Jewish National Fund. All grades also conduct Tu B’Shvat seders, where students have the opportunity to eat wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates and more fruits known to be abundant in Israel.
In the Philadelphia area, celebrations this year will range from parties to Tu B’Shvat seders to fruit picking. Here are just a few events taking place on Feb. 1.
Tu B’Shvat Gathering
In partnership with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Laurel Hill is offering a tour of its arboretum to celebrate the holiday. On the tour, participants will learn about the historical, agricultural and spiritual origins of Tu B’Shvat. After the tour, the conservatory invites participants inside to enjoy an array of wine and fruits that are significant to the holiday.
Tickets are free for ages 5 and under, $12.50 for ages 6-12, $20 for members of the Friends of Laurel Hill, $23 for seniors and students, and $25 for general admission.
Tu B’Shvat Chafla
Tribe 12 will host a party from 5 to 8 p.m. in West Philly to celebrate Tu B’Shvat. Enjoy sweet treats and Israeli vibes. Participants will nosh on mezze spreads, dried fruit, sunflower seeds and roasted nuts, and sip on some mint tea, Yemenite coffee and Goldstar beer. Tribe 12 will provide music, but participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments and jam out. Tickets are $10.
Tu B’Shvat Celebration and Hangout
Society Hill Synagogue is celebrating the new year for trees from 2 to 4 p.m.