Taking Time for Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat is affectionately known as the "birthday of the trees." At least, that is how many Jewish children are taught about this holiday during their years in Religious School classes. The holiday of Tu Bishvat, falling on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Sh'vat, this year coinciding with January 30th, can be seen on three levels:

1. Historically, it recalls the siege of Jerusalem in the years 66-70 CE. During the siege, the carob provided sustenance to Jewish fighters, who were otherwise able to store only meager food rations.
2. Agriculturally, it is a reminder of the ancient practice of tithing the fruits and is a tangible sign of the physical bond that the people of Israel have with Eretz Israel, the land of Israel.
3. Religiously or spiritually, the holiday and the trees that are planted serve as a symbol of life and rebirth. The tree weathers all storms yet clings tot he soil and tenaciously holds onto life. Similarly, the Jewish people have continued to endure and survive in the face of adversity.

However you choose to view this holiday, here are some possible activities to celebrate Tu Bishvat with your family:

• You can find a cute word puzzle about the holiday here.
• Babaganewz is a wonderful Jewish website for children and families - here is their page on Tu Bishvat, filled with Hebrew games, art projects, wacky slide shows, and so much more!
• Chabad's website has some great Tu Bisvhat and tree-related stories and activities - you can find the holiday page here.
• Elijah Rocks is my newest web find - it is the holiday game site from Behrman House, a Jewish publishing company. Here is a cute internet game to keep Israel green and testing your tree knowledge at the same time!

I will post more Tu Bishvat activities and craft ideas this week - start planning now!

Note: You may have balked at my spelling of this holiday, which is often seen written as Tu B'shvat - "Tu" being the way in which the number fifteen is spelled using Hebrew letters, according to the tradition of gematria, "B" meaning "in," and "Shvat" for the Hebrew month - the 15th of Shvat. It recently came to my attention that strictly speaking, because of some funny rules in Hebrew grammar, the holiday should actually be called Tu Bishvat - Too Beesh'vat. Just a little Hebrew grammar nerdiness for you today.