Megillah, January - February 2003

Tu b'Shevat Seder

Although not considered a major holiday, Tu b'Shevat has its own set of meaningful customs.

The holiday is as old as the Torah itself. The Torah admonishes us not to destroy anything needlessly. Even when besieging an enemy city, fruit trees may not be destroyed.

In biblical times, and in Israel today, this holiday marks the beginning of the planting season. Here, in our country, we celebrate by eating fruits that are indigenous to Israel. We recall the importance of trees. We plant seedlings. We have a Tu b'Shevat seder, where the fruits of Israel are eaten. It is a joyful holiday because it marks the beginning of looking forward to the coming spring.

This year, 2003, there will be a Tu b'Shevat seder at the synagogue. Everyone is invited to come and take part in the seder and enjoy the fruits of Israel!

~Bernice Cohen