- February 5, 2025
- 3:01 pm
- Israel
Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) – This is a Jewish holiday celebrated as the New Year of Trees.
This day symbolizes Care for nature, renewal, and prosperity as well as the connection of humanity with the earth.
In Israel, Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) is traditionally marked by:
🌳 Planting trees
🍇 Consuming fruits of the Holy Land – figs, dates, grapes, pomegranates, and olives
🤲 Participating in charitable events
In 2025, this holiday will take on a Ukrainian flavor – Haifa will host a special event organized in Ukrainian.
History of Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט)
Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) is an ancient Jewish holiday known as the New Year of Trees.
Its roots trace back to biblical times when the Jewish people observed commandments related to agriculture and harvest. In the Talmud, this day is designated as the beginning of the new agricultural year, particularly concerning tithes – portions of the crop that were to be given to the temple.
Why the 15th day of the month of Shevat?
The name Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) comes from the numerical value טו, which signifies the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. According to Jewish tradition, it is on this day that the sap begins to flow in trees, marking the awakening of nature after winter.
Historical context:
- In ancient Israel, this day was significant for determining the age of trees. According to Jewish law, fruits could not be eaten during the first three years after planting, and in the fourth year, they were to be dedicated to God. Thus, Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) marked the New Year for trees.
- During the Middle Ages, Jewish sages and Kabbalists ascribed spiritual meaning to the holiday, linking it to the harmony between man and nature.
- In the 16th century, Kabbalists from the city of Tzfat (Israel) developed a special ritual – the Tu Bi-Shvat Seder, during which Jews eat fourteen types of fruits and nuts symbolizing the abundance of the land of Israel.
How did Tu Bi-Shvat become popular in modern Israel?
At the beginning of the 20th century, with the revival of Jewish settlement in Eretz-Israel, Zionist leaders promoted Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) as a Feast of Planting Trees.
- In 1908, the Jewish National Fund Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel (KKL) organized the first mass planting of trees on this day.
- After the establishment of the State of Israel, Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) became a national holiday focusing on ecology and landscaping.
Today, Israeli schools, youth organizations, and families plant thousands of trees on this day, continuing a tradition that began a century ago.
Thus, Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) is a holiday that connects the past and the present, uniting people around values of care for nature, preserving traditions, and fostering a connection with the land of Israel.
Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) in Haifa: Holiday Program
📅 Date: February 11, 2025
📍 Location: Hanamal 67, Haifa
🕓 Time: 16:45
🎟 Free admission!
Organized by – https://www.facebook.com/events/607214475398181
The organizers, Project “Equilibrium” (“Rivovyaga”) and Tal Mikhalenko, have prepared a unique program that combines the traditions of Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) with Ukrainian culture.
What awaits guests?
✔ A musical concert featuring authentic instruments
✔ Meditation and wellness practices
✔ Children’s program:
- Outdoor themed games
- Reading books in Ukrainian
- Creative workshops
- Gifts from the publishing project “Pajama Library”
🎁 Prize draw
Each participant will receive a number and will have the chance to win prizes at the end of the evening.
Organizers of the holiday
Who is behind this event?
Equilibrium (“RIVKOVAGA”) – A community for mental and physical development
“Equilibrium” is an initiative to support the Ukrainian-speaking community in Israel.
The organizers offer:
✅ Creative workshops
✅ Stress relief practices and meditation
✅ Sound therapy
✅ Walks, travel, and retreats
📢 Read more: Facebook page Rivovyaga
Tal Mikhalenko – Organizer of Cultural Events
Tal Mikhalenko actively supports repatriates, creating events that unite Ukrainian and Jewish cultures.
Her projects help strengthen relations between Ukrainians and Jews, establish new traditions, and support repatriates in Israel.
Why is it important to celebrate Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט)?
🌱 This holiday is not only about trees but also about renewal, nature, and good deeds.
🌏 The traditions of Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) remind us that caring for the earth is everyone’s responsibility.
🤝 Celebrating in Ukrainian provides an opportunity to preserve culture, even while living in another country.
“Nature gives us life, and Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) is the day when we say ‘thank you’ to her!”
How to participate?
📍 Address: Hanamal 67, Haifa
🕓 Date and time: February 11, 2025, at 16:45
💰 Free admission!
Organized by – https://www.facebook.com/events/607214475398181
Come with your whole family to celebrate Tu Bi-Shvat (טו בשבט) together!
📢 Want to know more about cultural events in Israel? Visit Nanovo!
