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Get ready to celebrate the wonder of nature on Tu BiShvat, falling this year on January 24th! This unique day, also known as the 'New Year for Trees', is steeped in Jewish tradition and environmental awareness. Coining back to the Talmudic times, Tu BiShvat was established as the cut-off date for determining the age of a fruit-bearing tree. Today, it serves as an annual reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet and appreciate its bounty, typically marked with joyful feasts of fruit and nuts. So join us in honoring our earthly home and its delicious gifts on this special occasion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1st-2nd Century CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tu BiShvat's Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>First mentioned in the Mishnah, Tu BiShvat was established as a date for calculating tree age for tithing purposes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kabbalistic Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Jewish mystics of Safed revitalized Tu BiShvat, adding deep mystical significance and inaugurating the "Tu BiShvat Seder" practice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1880s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern Jewish Arbor Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rabbi Ze'ev Yavetz proposed a new tradition of planting trees on Tu BiShvat, which served as inspiration for Jewish National Fund's tree planting efforts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Jewish National Fund Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The establishment of the Jewish National Fund significantly contributed to reforestation efforts in Palestine and the modern State of Israel.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Environmental Awareness Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>As environmental consciousness rose globally, Tu BiShvat gained renewed significance as an ecological holiday, a 'Jewish Earth Day'.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plant a tree</h3><p class='facts-text'>In keeping with tradition, the most meaningful way to celebrate Tu BiShvat is by planting a tree. Whether in your backyard or as part of a local community project, this act reinforces our deep-rooted connection to the earth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a fruit and nut feast</h3><p class='facts-text'>Another customary way to celebrate is by hosting a feast featuring a plethora of fruits and nuts. Gather family and friends for this yearly tradition that encourages appreciation and mindful consumption of nature's yield.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take a nature hike</h3><p class='facts-text'>Explore the local terrain, take a deep breath of fresh air, admire the trees and appreciate the beauty of nature. This can be followed by a small picnic consisting of fruits and nuts under the shade of the trees.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a fruit-bearing garden</h3><p class='facts-text'>Transform part of your backyard into a fruit-bearing garden. Not only does this serve as a nod to the tradition of Tu BiShvat, but it also provides a lasting gift to nature and a delightful harvest in the months to come.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in environmental activism</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make an impact this Tu BiShvat by participating in local or global environmental initiatives. It could be cleanup drives, participating in climate change discussions or forwarding the cause of environmental activists. This not only honors the tradition but also helps make a tangible difference.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Restoring Connection with Nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Tu BiShvat encourages an appreciation of the natural world and our responsibilities to care for it. The holiday fosters stewardship and promotes a deep-rooted connection with the planet, emphasizing our role in preserving the environment for future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Enjoyment of Fruits and Nuts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the joys of Tu BiShvat is the traditional feast featuring a large variety of fruits and nuts. This not only provides a chance to enjoy delicious bounty with loved ones, but also serves as a reminder of the earthly gifts provided by trees.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Foster Environmental Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The celebration of Tu BiShvat also extends into activism. Commemorating this special event by engaging in environmental initiatives locally or globally reinstates the significance of being proactive in matters of climate change and other environmental issues. This holiday serves as a platform to make a tangible difference to our environment, thereby honoring the spirit of Tu BiShvat.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tu BiShvat is one of four Jewish 'New Years'</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Jewish calendar includes four distinct 'New Year' celebrations, each with a unique focus. Tu BiShvat represents the New Year for Trees, reflecting its agricultural origins and environmental emphasis.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tu BiShvat Seders have spiritual significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Inspired by the Passover Seder, the Tu BiShvat Seder involves eating a variety of fruits and four cups of wine or juice that shift in color, symbolizing the transition from winter into spring.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The trees planted on Tu BiShvat can help fight desertification</h3><p class='facts-content'>Planting trees on Tu BiShvat, especially in arid regions like Israel, contribute to preventing desertification, a global environmental issue. Therefore, every tree planted plays an essential role in maintaining our global ecology.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tu BiShvat inspired Land Buying in Pre-State Israel</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish organizations used Tu BiShvat as an occasion to symbolically purchase land in pre-state Israel by donating money for tree planting. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tu BiShvat encompasses both physical and spiritual growth</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to its environmental themes, Tu BiShvat is also seen as a time for personal growth and fresh beginnings, akin to trees sprouting new leaves and fruit. This dual-themed nature makes it a holiday of layered significance.</p></div></div>
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