|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Tu B'Shevat
|
|
|
| |
The name "Tu b'Shevat" comes from the date of the festival, the fifteenth day
of the month of Shevat. The Hebrew letter "tet" represents the number 9, "vav"
is 6; the two letters together represent the number fifteen.
The bible commands farmers to set aside a portion of their crops to give to the poor and to
give an offering to the priests. In Israel, the 15th day of the month of Shevat is the
end of the rainy season and the time when trees are beginning to produce the new season's crops.
Fruit harvested before this date counts towards the previous year's tithe; fruit harvested after
this date is part of the next year's tithe.
Tu b'Shevat is also called the 'New Year of the Trees'. The festival has taken on a new environmental
importance in Israel. In Israel it is the beginning of spring.
At this time of the year we are particularly aware of the importance of trees in our lives,
of soil conservation and of tikkun olam - the repair of our world. School children
plant new trees on this day.
In the Diaspora, we mark Tu b'Shevat by eating at least 15 different nuts and fruits,
particularly those mentioned in the Torah.
At NWSS we have a special seder, enjoyed by adults and children.
There are songs, poems and readings and we eat 15 different types of fruit. We drink four glasses
of wine, starting with white, then white with a little red, then white with more red,
and finally red wine, symbolising the passing of the seasons.
|
|
Festival dates
|
|
|
