Tu B’Shevat

The New Year of Trees or Tu B’Shevat is a feast of the people created in the second century, just 1,800 years ago. Tu B’Shevat literally means the “fifteenth of Shevat,” the fifteenth day of the late winter month of Shevat. This was a legal tax date in Bible days, when growers tithed the fruit of their trees to the Levites or the poor.

This chapter in the Feast Book describes the importance of trees in the Bible, how this holiday is celebrated in synagogues and homes today, and its spiritual meaning. It gives a full Tu B’Shevat Seder or service for those who want to follow the tradition of celebrating this minor holiday, suggests a feast menu, and includes delicious recipes.