Beginning at sundown on February 5th and lasting until February 6th at nightfall, Tu B'Shevat is one of four New Year's days in Judaism. Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is the New Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Nowadays, it is a day for environmental awareness and action such as tree planting.
We asked Sophie Sklar of Chabad at McGill more on the details of this celebration in Judaism:
"Tu B'Shevat is a highly environmental Jewish holiday. We celebrate to remind ourselves of our duty to care for the natural world - which is especially important in these times of climate change.
Many Jews will take part in a tree planting ceremony, pick fresh fruits or vegetables, or organize a trash clean-up. It is also customary to eat the seven significant species of the land of Israel: wheat, grapes, barley, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates!"
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To learn more about Tu B'Shevat events happening around Montreal, visit our Religious Holidays page.
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