Tu BiShvat Seder

The notion of a Tu BiShvat seder, that is, a ritual involving the eating of specific fruits, drinking wine, and studying or reciting specific selections from the sacred literature of Judaism, was created in the 16th century to be similar to the Passover Seder celebration. Here is another explanation of Tu BiShvat: Named for the 15th day of the month of Shevat, this festival is known as the New Year of the Trees or the Trees’ Birthday. This time of year is the beginning of spring in the Middle East. The first almond blossoms have opened and the sap in the trees is beginning to rise. Therefore, it’s traditional to eat fruits from Israel on Tu BiShvat: figs, dates, grapes, olives, pomegranates. It’s also traditional to eat fruits you haven’t tasted in a long time (or ever), and to say the Shehechiyanu (a prayer for experiencing something new.) While the holiday has changed over the centuries, today in the U.S., it is seen as a time to celebrate nature and affirm our relationship to the Earth.

The seder is divided into 2 parts; we will each eat our own “brown bag” dinner at the intermission. The seder will be led by Fred Brown.

Please come join us for this celebration of Spring fruits.

Please reply to let us know how many will be attending.