What is Tu B’Shvat all about?

Think of Tu B’Shvat as the ultimate Jewish holiday for nature lovers; the annual celebration pays homage to flora.

The holiday is formally known as Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, or “New Year of the Trees.” Every year it's held on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat. This year, at least on the Gregorian calendar, Tu B’Shvat unfolds on the evening of February 12.

(More on how Jewish Healdsburg is celebrating in a minute.)

Celebrations for this nature-oriented holiday have varied over the years.

In contemporary Israel, the day is celebrated as an homage to ecological awareness, and trees are planted in celebration. In ancient Israel, Tu B'Shvat marked the time when farmers calculated their fruit harvest, marked trees’ birthdays (fruit was not harvested until a tree was 3 years old), and paid harvest tithes.

Here in the United States, many Jews honor the day with a seder filled with fruit, wine, and contemplation. Most of these seders feature the seven sacred species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

In our little community of Healdsburg, we’ll commemorate the day in two ways. First, on Sunday, February 9, we’ll get a group together at a special location in town and plant trees. Second, on Sunday, February 16 we’ll gather for a seven sacred species seder at a private home.

To RSVP for the Feb. 9 event, please email us at shalom@jewishhealdsburg.org. To RSVP for the Jewish Healdsburg Tu B’Shvat seder, email Califa Witsch at califawitsch@gmail.com or calling (707) 321-5052.

Addresses for both events will be shared upon RSVP.