When is Tu Bishvat 2024?
Have you ever heard of the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat? If not, don’t worry! You’re not alone. In fact, even many Jews are unfamiliar with this holiday. Tu Bishvat is sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Arbor Day” or the “New Year for Trees.” It is a holiday that celebrates trees and their importance in our world.
This year coming year Tu B’Shevat is 24 to 25 January 2024. Although it is not a major Jewish holiday like Hanukkah or Passover, it is still an important day for celebrating nature and taking care of our environment.
Here are some things you can do to celebrate Tu Bishvat:
1) Plant a Tree for Tu Bishvat
Plant a tree! One of the best things you can do to celebrate Tu Bishvat is to plant a tree. This can be done individually or as part of a group. If you live in an area where it is not possible to plant a tree, consider donating to an organization like the Jewish National Fund, which plants trees in Israel.
2) Learn about Trees
Learn about trees! Take some time to learn about different types of trees and their importance in our ecosystem. You can also learn about the history of tree planting in Israel.
Did you know that since 1900 around 250000 trees have been planted across Israel and between the years of 1950s and 1960s millions more were planted in Israel made possible by donations from diaspora Jews
3) Eat Fruits and Nuts
Eat fruit and nuts! One of the traditions of Tu Bishvat is to eat fruit and nuts in honor of the holiday. This is a great way to celebrate while also getting some healthy snacks!
It is a time to give thanks to nature and the environment so eating lots of fruits and vegetables is the tradition. Some families include prayers and blessings over food.
If you would like FREE blessings over Fruits and Nuts go HERE
Some go on a picnic and schools over Israel hold parades and children wear white
4) Host a Tu Bishvat Seder
Participate in a Seder! A Seder is a ceremony that is traditionally used to commemorate Passover. However, there are now Seders specifically for Tu Bishvat that focus on trees and nature.
At least 10 different types of fruits and vegetables are served at the Seder which is outlined in the Torah
wheat,barley grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
Seders can be fun and educational events for both adults and children alike.
5) Tu Bishvat Activities for Children
Tu Bishvat is a wonderful time to educate your children about the environment and the importance of trees through creative activities.
Australian artist Johanna Singer has designed a beautifully educational coloring book featuring Australian native animals. If you would like a FREE copy – get yours HERE
Tu Bishvat Coloring Book for Children
FREE Coloring Pages for Children designed by Australian artist Johanna Singer
5) The Birth of Solar Energy in Israel
This tree planting day has never been more important with the severity of the climate crisis potentially crossing the 1.5℃ warming threshold by 2026, the transition towards clean energy production and an overall green, sustainable economy has never felt more urgent.
So while we are on the subject of planting trees and protecting the environment both at home and in the Land of Israel did you know that the use of Solar energy actually began in Israel in the 1950s?
One of Israel’s goals is to reach 30% of the countries energy from renewable sources by 2030 and its most likely they are on track.
It would seem that Americans are learning from the Israelis too
According to the solar energy office in the USA – Solar power is more affordable, accessible and prevalent in the USA more than ever before.
” Solar power is more affordable, accessible, and prevalent in the United States than ever before. From just 0.34 GW in 2008, U.S. solar power capacity has grown to an estimated 97.2 gigawatts (GW) today. This is enough to power the equivalent of 18 million average American homes.
Today, over 3% of U.S. electricity comes from solar energy in the form of solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).”
But the average person assumes solar has to be expensive, involve a lot of labor, or be technical… but not anymore!
This little known method new method changes all of this.
No need to buy overpriced retail solar panel systems
No need for expensive installation companies. Click HERE to find out more
If you’re like me and want an easy and cheap way to produce your own power at home, then you’re going to want to click here to find out more
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