When we hear the words, “Jewish New Year,” it’s easy to become confused. The more we learn, the more we come to understand there are four days on the Hebrew calendar that are each referred to as a “New Year.” Today we are looking at Tu B’Shevat, which translates as the 15th day of the month of Shevat, and which is also known as “the New Year for trees.”

Why do trees need their own New Year celebration? Is this a real Jewish holiday? What are we supposed to do on the 15th day of the month of Shevat if we do not live in the land of Israel?

Trees Represent Learning and Growth

The first thing to know is that trees represent more than physical trees growing out of the ground in the land of Israel. Trees are symbolic of spiritual growth for people converting to Judaism as well as people born Jewish, wherever we may be living in the world. Honoring trees one day a year represents honoring our connection to personal growth through Torah. That is something we can all do in our own way, wherever we live. We can study Torah for our personal growth on Tu B’Shevat, at home or with a group of people. Many Jews gather together for festive meals including lots of fresh fruits and nuts, known as a Tu B’Shevat Seder.

Trees In Israel Begin To Bloom

The second thing to know is that almond trees are a significant crop in the land of Israel because they are the first trees to bloom, in late January or early February, after the rainy winter season. Crops grown
in the ground are on a different cycle than fruits and nuts growing on trees. It is the tree-grown crops that are beginning to blossom at this time, and the produce harvested in the new season of growth will be subject to agricultural tithing as the New Year’s crops in Israel. Tithing from crops grown in Israel is a legal requirement, as well as Biblical, which is why there has to be one day from which counting the new tree-grown crops begins.

The 15th day of the month of Shevat is a celebration of renewal, for trees in the land of Israel and for all of us learning Torah wherever we may live.