Tu Bishvat is the Jewish New Year for Trees. Yes, it is in the middle of winter, and comes this year just after a very significant snowfall in the Northeast. But Tu Bishvat is still very relevant! It celebrates the rejuvenation of the sap deep within the tree that holds hope and promise for the tree to blossom again in the Spring.
Here’s what we are doing this year at Shabbos House and at UAlbany for Tu Bishvat:
This picture is from a Tu Bishvat table some years back at UAlbany.
TUES 2/3/2015: “Tu Bishvat Fruit for Thought at Torah-Tuesday”
5:45 and 7:45pm at Shabbos House.
We’re changing up our Torah-Tues format and menu to have a meaningful Tu Bishvat celebration. Look for a smorgasbord of fruity “New Year for Trees” insights with metaphor & life-messages for “Man is a Tree of the Field”.
We’re serving Pasta with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes and Olives (olives being one of Israel’s 7 Species); Mushroom-Barley Soup (barley is a grain, but also one of Israel’s 7-Species), a Michigan Salad with Walnuts, Apples, Pomegranate Seeds and Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing; and a big spread of dried fruits (including figs, dates, apricots, raisins) and nuts including (almonds, pistachio, cashews and pecans).
The learning component will explore Torah sources and inspirational life messages from many of the fruits and nuts served.
WED 2/4/2015: “Tu Bishvat Fruit Fondue Table” inside the Campus Center
Look for the Lchaim Table inside the Campus Center Lobby from 11am-2pm, with fruit fondue (no charge) along with Tu Bishvat messages. Stop by for a quick taste and food for thought!
The verse says, “for Man is a Tree of the Field” and it seems likely we may have a “Living-Tree” costume at the table, get your selfie with The Giving Tree!