Plant a Tree in Israel for Tu B’Shevat

TU B’SHEVAT

Tu B’Shevat occurs on the fifteenth day of the month of Shevat on the Hebrew calendar;  February 8th – sunset February 9th, 2009.

Leviticus 19:23-25 says, “When you enter the land and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten.  In the fourth year all its fruit shall be set aside for jubilation before the LORD; and only in the fifth year may you use its fruit–that its yield to you may be increased: I the LORD am your God.”  (New JPS Translation)

So, a way was devised to keep track of the age of trees. Every 15th of Shevat, a tree is considered one year older.

Tu B’Shevat is not found in the Bible.

PLANT A TREE IN ISRAEL

Tu B’Shevat is an arbor day celebration, the birthday of the trees.  It’s a great time to plant.  We invest in the future and restoration of our planet by planting and nurturing trees.  You can invest in the nation of Israel by planting a tree through the Jewish National Fund at www.jnf.org . The cost is $18, and you can receive a certificate for your donation.

Copyright 2009, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also:  Tu B’Shevat Celebration Ideas

How to Dry Fruit in Your Oven for Tu B’Shevat