Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat History

Tu Bishvat, also known as the "New Year for Trees", is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. This observance is marked by practices such as eating a variety of fruits, particularly those mentioned in the Torah, like grapes, figs, and pomegranates, as well as planting trees. Despite its origins in ancient Jewish law, Tu Bishvat carries a broader ecological significance, encouraging respect for nature and raising awareness about the environment.

The observance of Tu Bishvat originally arose from an agricultural practice in ancient Israel, where this day marked a cut-off point for determining the age of a tree, which influenced the levying of taxes. Today, for Canadians, Tu Bishvat holds significance not only as a part of Jewish cultural heritage, but also for its emphasis on environmental awareness. This holiday serves as a reminder to Canadians of all backgrounds about the importance of preserving the planet, reflecting the Canadian values of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

In Canada, Jewish communities mark Tu Bishvat with various activities that echo the holiday's themes. The undertaking of planting trees, while more challenging in the Canadian winter, is symbolic and deeply meaningful. Communities may also partake in "Tu Bishvat Seders", a ritual meal inspired by Passover Seders, but focusing on fruits and the agricultural bounty. The educational aspect, particularly in teaching younger generations about environmental care, remains a key component of the holiday's observance. Tu Bishvat's date is not tied to the Gregorian calendar but the Hebrew one, and it usually takes place in late January or early February. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Tu Bishvat in Canada

• Often referred to as the Jewish Earth Day, Tu Bishvat serves as a modern platform for environmental activism and sustainability efforts that resonate with Canada’s commitment to ecological conservation.
• Because the frozen Canadian ground in February prevents traditional tree planting, it is common for families to plant seeds indoors, such as parsley which is then grown in time for the Passover Seder in the spring.
• Organizations like MAZON Canada bridge Jewish values with Indigenous land stewardship through the concept of Dish with One Spoon, a historic peace agreement between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee nations that emphasizes the shared responsibility of protecting natural resources.
• The Annual Tu Bi'Shevat Telethon hosted by the Jewish National Fund of Canada remains a significant event where volunteers in cities like Toronto and Montreal raise funds for reforestation and social infrastructure projects.
• A traditional Tu Bishvat Seder involves consuming 15 varieties of fruit and nuts, specifically highlighting the shivat haminin or Seven Species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
• Many Canadian Jewish schools and libraries feature the children's book Sadie's Snowy Tu B'Shevat, which depicts a young girl celebrating the holiday in a cold, wintry climate that mirrors the Canadian experience.
• To symbolize the seasonal transition from winter to spring, participants often drink four cups of wine or grape juice that gradually change in color from white to a deep red.
• The almond tree, or shkadia, is a central symbol of the holiday as it is the first to blossom in the Middle East, though Canadians often experience this renewal through indoor floral arrangements or nature documentaries like The Hidden Life of Trees.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Tu Bishvat

Top things to do in Canada for Tu Bishvat

• Say Blessings for new Fruit. Two blessings are said for new fruits (which have not yet been eaten that year), namely the standard blessing for fruits ..Who created the fruits of the tree and ..Who kept us alive, and sustained us and allowed us to reach this day.
• Attend a Tu Bishvat tisch which is popular in Hasidic communities. A Tisch is the Yiddish word for table. It refers to a festive meal with Holy Land fruits, wine, bread, fish and other foods.
• Popular books you can read that relate to Tu Bishvat in Canada are:
  The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons - by Jill Hammer
  Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays: Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim - by Paul Steinberg
  Seasons of Our Joy: A Modern Guide to the Jewish Holidays - by Arthur Ocean Waskow
  The Jewish Guide to Green Living - by Dan Fink and Tamar Fink
  Trees, Earth, and Torah: A Tu B'Shvat Anthology - by Ari Elon, Naomi Mara Hyman, and Arthur Waskow Annett
• Popular things to do in Canada during Tu Bishvat are:
  1) Attend a Tu Bishvat Seder: In cities with large Jewish communities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, local synagogues may host a Tu Bishvat seder, which is a feast that includes fruits, nuts, and other foods associated with the holiday.
  2) Visit The Kiever Synagogue: Located in Toronto, this synagogue may have special events or services.
  3) Visit the Montreal Holocaust Museum: They might host educational events about Jewish culture and holidays including Tu Bishvat.
  4) Visit Tree Festivals or Plant a Tree: Tu Bishvat is often associated with trees and nature. Many Canadians plant a tree or donate to a cause that will plant a tree on their behalf. Some communities may have tree festivals or nature walks.
  5) Take Part in Community Events: Check local community calendars for Jewish community centers or synagogues in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. They might offer special events for families and children to learn and celebrate the holiday.