This holiday has an interesting history. In ancient times, Tu BiShvat had an important practical significance – it served as the tax year boundary for fruit trees. According to the laws of the Torah, Jews were required to give a tenth of the harvest as a donation to the priests and the needy. And it was Tu BiShvat that determined to which year the collected fruits belonged.

There is a beautiful legend about the origin of the holiday. According to the Midrash (ancient interpretations of the Torah), when the trees learned that people have their New Year, they asked God to give them a special holiday. Thus, Tu BiShvat came into being, celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Shvat.

In modern times, the traditions of celebration have been renewed and filled with new meaning. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has become customary to plant young trees on this day – a custom that began as an educational initiative by Jewish teachers in 1908 and was later embraced by the Jewish National Fund. Now it has become one of the main traditions of the holiday, symbolizing the continuation of life and care for nature.

Like any holiday, Tu BiShvat has its own culinary traditions. The holiday table should feature the seven species mentioned in the Old Testament: dates, pomegranates, grapes, figs, olives, as well as wheat and barley. It is not necessary to use only fresh products – dried fruits, canned olives or olive oil, pomegranate juice, and grains can be served in the form of baked goods or porridge. Such a festive table symbolizes hope for a rich harvest in the new year and gratitude for the gifts of nature.