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Health & Fitness

Happy Tu B'Shevat!! Israel's Arbor Day

The weather forecast today 1/7/14 is predicting bone chilling temps despite the balmy temperatures and fog that enveloped my car on my way to shul yesterday. It is January 7, 2014 and the Jewish calendar gives us a hint that spring is on the way.  It’s Shevat, the month we are reminded of the promise of life’s abundance and variety.   Although it is still very much winter, the natural world only appears to be asleep. Those of us who embrace the winter world know that life is pulsating in all the hidden places. Denned animals are giving birth, sap is waiting to do its magic, all creation waits impatiently for longer day light.  Shevat is a time of waiting and promise. 

TuB’Shevat - 15th of Shevat will be observed this year on January 16th.  In the modern state of  Israel, TuB’Shevat is observed as a sort of national Arbor Day.

During Talmudic times in Israel, the day marked the age of fruit bearing trees for tithing.  For Jews in the diaspora, TuB’Shevat  is often observed by eating the fruits and nuts found in the land of Israel.  Almonds are a traditional treat because the almond tree is thought to be the first to flower.  Throughout the ages Jews have embraced the day by what else?...eating of course!   Imagine eating 10 kinds of fruits and nuts and drinking  4 cups of wine.  Sound familiar?  Seems like some people just couldn’t wait for Passover.

Happy Tu B’Shevat!!

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