In Israel, six weeks after Hanukkah, nature begins to stir. It’s the full moon of the Hebrew month of Shevat, and the sap is rising in the trees. All over the country, the pink-and-white flowers of almond trees are starting to burst open. In this season of Israel’s budding beauty, we celebrate one of the most special holidays around: the Jewish birthday of the trees, Tu B’Shevat.
Tu B’Shevat has its origins in an ancient practice: farmers in Israel, grateful for the blessing of a good crop, would bring a portion of their trees’ fruit as an offering to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Since farmers were instructed to harvest fruit only from trees that had already grown for three full years, the rabbis established a uniform “birthday” or “new year” of the trees: the fifteenth of the month of Shevat (in Hebrew, Tu B’Shevat).
Learn more about Tu B’Shevat traditions with the stories in this list:
by Laura Gehl
Recommended for ages 6 to 7
Britta knows that Apple and Magnolia are best friends, even if they are just trees. Britta gets a chance to be a good friend, too, as she helps the pair get through a tough winter. Enchanting illustrations accompany a sweet story about taking care of nature and each other.
by Datia Ben Dor
Recommended for ages 3 to 4
A curious child tries to understand: What does a tree feel? Is it happy being a tree? Perhaps it finds it hard to stand still in one spot all the time…? Its ability to see the glass as half-full makes the tree an inspiring character. This book invites readers to discuss their love of nature and how to be content.
by Madelyn Rosenberg
Recommended for ages 3 to 4
Tu B'Shevat, also known as the Birthday of the Trees, celebrates the critical role that trees play in life. In this story, a little girl presents her favorite climbing tree with a special birthday gift.
by Martin Lemelman
Recommended for ages 8 and older
The Judean date palm withered away to extinction after the Jewish exile from Israel. Centuries later, archeologists discovered seeds of the prized plant in the ruins of the Masada fortress, the last stronghold of Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire. Can Dr. Sarah Sallon and Dr. Elaine Solowey bring these long-gone trees back to life?
by Ellie Gellman
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
The plant that Netta received on Tu B’Shevat is growing, and so is Netta. In fact, soon it will be time for the plant — and Netta — to do new things. Growing bigger is intimidating, but it’s also wonderful.
by Mary Murphy
Recommended for ages 3 to 4
Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, is a perfect time to appreciate our environment. Trees do very important jobs in our world, and only trees can do those jobs. So it’s our job to make sure the planet is healthy for them (and for every other living being, for that matter!).
by Paul Czajak
Recommended for ages 4 to 5
Abigail wants a pet that’s easy to take care of and minds all her commands. A tree would be just perfect! But what will happen when the tree grows? This sweet story highlights the relationship between humans and trees, just in time for Tu B’Shevat.
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