Tu B'Shvat

"I said to the almond tree, 'friend, speak to me of God', and the almond tree blossomed" (Nikos Kazantzakis).

Tu B’Shvat is the New Year for trees.

In Israel, Jews plant trees on Tu B’Shvat.

Traditions include: eating nuts and fruits, donating funds to plant trees in Israel, focusing on environmental issues, and holding a Tu B'Shvat seder.

Tu B'Shvat literally means the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat.

Tu B'Shvat began as a tax day of sorts, when Jews determined which fruits would be included in the tithe brought to the Temple.

Tu B'Shvat has taken on the character of a Jewish Earth Day or Arbor Day.

Grades and main subjects in curriculum

Grade
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Activities

Amazing Trees in Israel

An Israeli specialist in ancient trees shares his top ten list of the most outstanding trees to visit, from north to south. In groups, pupils can research these ten trees and report to the rest of the class

Tu Bishvat Quiz

Questions and answers about Tu Bishvat

Ten Famous Trees

Pupils read a text about ten famous trees

Tree Quotes

Pupils choose one of the quotes and explain what they like about it

Many links to do with Tu BiShvat

Tu Bishvat Resources

Videos

Tu B'Shvat - The Nice Time Traveller

A prompt for the environmental side of the holiday. (HT Amanda Caplan)

The Lorax

Dr. Seuss' Original Lorax animated TV special from 1972. Follows the actual story line of the book

I Am The Earth

Sing a song about our environment

The Queen of Trees

The fig tree and fig wasp differ in size a billion times over, but neither could exist without the other. Pupils can list the ways in which the fig tree supplies life to animals and insects

Change the World in 5 Minutes

Pupils watch a video clip and discuss how they can improve the world - from recycling to planting fruit and vegetables