Company & Culture
February 05, 2020
8 minute read

Tu B’shvat: the New Year for Trees

Tu B’shvat takes place on the 15th of the month of Shevat. (February 10, 2020).  A minor Jewish holiday, it is often referred to as the “new year” or “birthday” of the trees. Its customs are simplistic, however, it’s meaning can be quite monumental.

We’re Jewish, Therefore We Eat!

On Tu B’shvat it is customary to eat at least 15 varieties of fruits and vegetables.  It is important to include the seven species mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. These foods symbolize God’s creation, and by eating them, we give thanks to Hashem and reaffirm our ties to the Land of Israel.

Grow Like the Trees

  • Trees produce the oxygen we breathe. They give us life. We can also give life by teaching others, inspiring each other and choosing to be kind.
  • New trees are fragile, but they stand towards the sky and they will grow. The higher we aim, the more motivated we will be to reach for greatness.
  • It is never too late to plant a new seed and begin something new. Every seed we plant counts and is a gift to the next generation. Never stop growing.
  • Even the most beautiful trees shed their dead leaves so they can bloom again. Shed what is holing you back so you can grow into a better version of yourself.
  • Even the most beautiful trees shed their dead leaves so they can bloom again. Shed what is holing you back so you can grow into a better version of yourself.
  • Even the most beautiful trees shed their dead leaves so they can bloom again. Shed what is holing you back so you can grow into a better version of yourself.
  • Remember that every tree begins as a seed placed in the ground, planted and covered in dirt. When we are planted, we grow. No matter how much dirt comes into our lives, let’s resolve to see it as an opportunity to grow into the best people that we can possibly be.

Please Give Back

 

On Tu B’shvat it is customary to donate money to plant trees in Israel.  Along with this tradition, we kindly ask you to help grow and renew the spirit of those in need this Passover Holiday by donating to Maot Chitim so we may bring food to those unable to afford to do so.

More reads

Company & Culture
By Joellyn Stoliar

Tu B’shvat takes place on the 15th of the month of Shevat. (February 5, 2023), A minor Jewish holiday, it is often referred to as the “new year” or “birthday” of the trees. Its customs are simplistic, however, it’s meaning can be quite monumental.

February 02, 2023
Company & Culture
By Joellyn Stoliar

Hanukkah is right around the corner.  There is so much more to the Festival of Lights than eight days of gifts (for the adults among us, at least—we know children simply love exchanging presents) Here are ways we want to encourage you to enjoy this season with some fun and games! Members of our community […]

December 13, 2022
Company & Culture
By Joellyn Stoliar

The Heroine The Food The Celebration The festival of Purim commemorates when Esther, the Queen of Persia saved the Jews from extermination by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king. Esther had previously hidden her Jewish identity from her husband and saved the Jews by bravely revealing her identity and informing the king of Haman’s […]

March 10, 2022