Tu B'Shvat in Israel

This Shabbat will be Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for the trees. It is a special festival in Israel, usually marked by plating of new trees and eating new fruits. Since this year, Tu B'Shvat falls on Shabbat, we will not be able to plant trees or other new plants on the day itself.

Some may plant today, prior to Shabbat, others may delay and plant young trees on Sunday.

You may wonder why the supermarkets, makoliot (corner cafe's) and the markets have an increase of fruits and dried fruits. Tu B'Shvat will be the reason. Some have the custom for a specific seder enjoying the new fruits for spring and 4 cups of wine, others just enjoy the fruits, either way it is generally a happy time and a productive one.

Enjoy. Chag Somayach and Shabbat Shalom