Tu B’Shevat

The Jewish “New Year of the Trees” is celebrated with observances that connect humankind to the natural world. This holiday has special significance because “Man is the tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19). Through cultivating strong roots – faith and commitment to the Lord – we produce many fruits.

On this day it is customary to eat the fruit with which the Holy Land is praised in Deuteronomy 8:8: olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates. When tasting any of these fruit for the first time of the season, the  Shehecheyanu blessing is recited:

“Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.”