Tu BiShvat, or the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat, commemorates the Jewish new year for trees – it’s when we say happy birthday to all the trees of the world! Take some time today or this weekend to wonder at the beauty of nature, celebrate all things tree, and thank God and the universe for sunsets and mountains and new growth and regrowth. See below for some suggestions and resources:
Tree Visioning Exercise
This visioning exercise invites you to use the parts of a tree to help you set a goal for the future.
Tree-themed Guided Meditation
Take a few minutes to tap into your own inner tree with these meditation options:
Overview of the seven species
If you’re looking for specific foods to focus on as part of your celebration, you can’t go wrong with the seven species!
Resources from Hazon
Hazon seeks to “strengthen Jewish life and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable world for all” and they have great resources for Tu bi’Shvat, including a great downloadable Tu bi’Shvat seder!
Journal Prompts and a Tree-Visiting Ritual
Exactly what it sounds like – a great set of reflection questions and a suggested ritual for tree-visiting over time. What better way to appreciate the small changes that take place in nature that we might never notice otherwise?
PJ Library Tu Bishvat Hub
Activities for kids of all ages: Plant microgreens! Download a Tu biShvat-themed mad lib! Check out the recipe or book collection!
Bim Bam Tu Bishvat Videos
A collection of short videos that teach all about Tu biShvat and our Jewish connection to the natural world around us.
Seder Resources from URJ
A collection of Tu biShvat seder options – from the short and sweet to the mystical and spiritual!
Shalom Sesame Videos on Tu Bishvat
A collection of Shalom Sesame videos, including how to plant a tree or grow a garden.
