What is Tu B'Shevat?

Tu B'Shevat is a minor Jewish holiday celebrating the New Year of the Trees. The holiday is observed on the fifteenth (tu) of Shevat which usually falls in January or February on the secular calender. Scholars believe that Tu B'Shevat was originally an agricultural festival marking the beginning of spring. After the destruction of the Temple, in 70.C.E., this holiday was a way for Jews to connect with their former homeland by eating foods that could be found in Israel. Today, Tu B'Shevat has become a tree planting festival in Israel. In the Land of Israel, this is the appropriate agricultural time for planting trees. Jews around the world as well as Israelis plant trees in Israel in honor or in memory of a loved one or friend.


From Holiday Happenings of the Union for Reform Judaism