Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach. Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for. Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often large enough for surfing. You can look for the hidden mermaid's chair to make a sitting wish, catch some fish or sift for ancient archeological treasure. Our favourite bay at Nasholim is just big enough for a tiring swim from to one side to the other and back again. If you'd rather do beach instead of sea - the sand is white and soft and made for lazing. I usually stay in the water as much as possible. Life in Israel can be tense, so it is nice to float aimlessly without any thoughts in the Mediterranean sea. The summer is slowly coming to an end which means that the water is finally coo...
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| An olive tree with Haifa harbor in the background and my youngest playing around with her red balloon . |
A birthday for trees?
Yes, in Israel, the Jewish date of Tu b’Shevat (the 15th of the month Shevat) is
considered to be the New Year of trees. Trees do not get individual birthdays
like humans – that would be a bit too much! Instead all of the trees are
considered to be one year older after Tu b’Shevat. This collective birthdate is usually described
as the trees’ New Year.
Why should one know how old a tree then?
It is a totally Jewish thing. According to Jewish law, fruit can only be eaten from a tree in its’ fifth year. The fruit of the first three years are forbidden, and in later years various tithes (10% of the produce) have to be given. So it is necessary to know how old a tree is – especially fruit trees.
It is a totally Jewish thing. According to Jewish law, fruit can only be eaten from a tree in its’ fifth year. The fruit of the first three years are forbidden, and in later years various tithes (10% of the produce) have to be given. So it is necessary to know how old a tree is – especially fruit trees.
How do you celebrate a tree’s birthday?
By eating fruit of course! Usually dried fruit - Tu b’Shevat is in the winter and though some trees have started to blossom, fresh produce is not available.
Religious Jews have a Tu b’Shevat Seder and recite special prayers at Tu b’Shevat . You can read more about the religious insights of this holiday at Aish.com
Secular Israelis have adopted Tu b’Shevat as Arbor Day and trees are planted in various ceremonies all over the country. You can read more about the tree planting activities and environmental programs at KKL – the government body in charge of forests here in Israel.
And what did my kids and I do on Tu b’Shevat ?
It is not a big holiday so the schools and work places did not close. My youngest had a Dried Fruit – party in her class and made art work with twigs and leaves.
By eating fruit of course! Usually dried fruit - Tu b’Shevat is in the winter and though some trees have started to blossom, fresh produce is not available.
Religious Jews have a Tu b’Shevat Seder and recite special prayers at Tu b’Shevat . You can read more about the religious insights of this holiday at Aish.com
Secular Israelis have adopted Tu b’Shevat as Arbor Day and trees are planted in various ceremonies all over the country. You can read more about the tree planting activities and environmental programs at KKL – the government body in charge of forests here in Israel.
And what did my kids and I do on Tu b’Shevat ?
It is not a big holiday so the schools and work places did not close. My youngest had a Dried Fruit – party in her class and made art work with twigs and leaves.
My eldest had a class trip to one of the parks in our town
where they studied the various trees there. And in the afternoon I went for a
little hike in a nearby forest.
The trees did not offer me cake or anything but I still had a great time. They are so gracefully about getting old, happy about the heavy winter rains and already preparing themselves for spring.
The trees did not offer me cake or anything but I still had a great time. They are so gracefully about getting old, happy about the heavy winter rains and already preparing themselves for spring.
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| Two large ficus trees in a park near my house. They must be quite old - but I did not dare ask them their age! |
Happy Tu b’Shevat everyone!
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