In what could only be described as a fruitful celebration across the globe, JLIC communities came together to mark Tu B’Shvat with creativity, learning, and plenty of natural sweetness. From coast to coast and across continents, each community put their own special spin on the holiday that marks the New Year for Trees, creating a tapestry of traditions both old and new.
The East Coast came alive with celebrations that married tradition with innovation. Brooklyn got right to the root of things with their aptly named “Fondue B’Shvat” celebration, where chocolate cascaded as freely as the conversations. Students gathered around flowing fountains of sweetness, dipping fresh fruits and engaging in discussions about the holiday’s deeper meanings. Meanwhile, at Penn and Yale, traditional seders took place, proving that some traditions never go out of season. These gatherings featured the customary four cups of wine and the systematic tasting of fruits, each one carrying its own symbolic significance.
Binghamton University combined the past and future of Tu B’Shvat, hosting a Mishmar that included both traditional fruit and the planting of new greenery. The sight of students carefully potting plants while discussing ancient texts created a beautiful bridge between generations of Jewish tradition.
The University of Maryland dug deep into the symbolism of the holiday with their thought-provoking shiur on “Trees of Knowledge and Life.” Students explored the fascinating parallels between biblical trees and modern environmental consciousness, all while enjoying a bountiful spread of traditional Tu B’Shvat treats. Rutgers University planted seeds of wisdom through a series of nature-themed learning sessions, creating a multi-day celebration that allowed students to explore different aspects of the holiday’s significance.
In the Midwest, the University of Illinois mixed things up with a smoothie bowl event that had students buzzing with energy. The combination of Lunch and Learn sessions with hands-on food preparation created an engaging atmosphere where learning and celebration seamlessly intertwined. Students crafted colorful bowls filled with fruits mentioned in the Torah, adding a modern twist to ancient traditions.
On the West Coast, UCLA brought the celebration street-side with a fruit cart that had students experiencing the holiday’s sweetness in true California style. The fresh-cut fruit provided a tangible connection to the agricultural roots of the holiday, while the casual, accessible format encouraged widespread participation from the campus community.
The celebrations in Israel took on special poignancy this year. The Tel Aviv Community’s visit to Kibbutz Nir Am stood as a powerful testament to growth and renewal, as community members planted 150 trees alongside kibbutz residents. This act of planting went beyond the usual Tu B’Shvat observance, symbolizing the deep roots of community resilience and hope. The day blossomed into a full celebration, complete with a carnival for the children, marking a new chapter in the relationship between these communities.
At the Technion, students embraced their creative sides during a paint-and-plant event held earlier this month that transformed the traditional tree-planting into an artistic expression. Each participant left carrying not just a plant, but a personally decorated pot, creating a lasting reminder of the holiday’s messages of growth and nurturing. Ben Gurion University students gathered for a picnic breakfast under the desert sky, proving that even in the most arid landscapes, the celebration of trees and fruits could flourish. The addition of chocolate milk to the traditional fruits brought a beloved Israeli twist to the festivities.
The Herzliya community and Reichman U students tested their botanical knowledge with a spirited “Bracha Bee,” combining learning with friendly competition as students demonstrated their mastery of the various blessings associated with different fruits and trees. Ariel University took a more contemplative approach with their tea-leaf station, allowing students to create their own perfect brew while discussing the holiday’s themes. The combination of Kahoot games and serious discussions about the Holy Land created an atmosphere that was both educational and entertaining.
The M.D. Katz JLIC at Tel Aviv University hosted an evening celebration that truly hit all the right notes, featuring traditional foods alongside modern interpretations of the holiday’s customs. The evening seamlessly blended religious significance with contemporary relevance, creating meaningful connections for all participants.
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As the various celebrations drew to a close across different time zones, it became clear that while each community may have branched out in their own direction, they all remained rooted in the same celebration of growth, renewal, and connection to nature. The diversity of approaches to celebrating Tu B’Shvat demonstrated the holiday’s enduring relevance and adaptability, speaking to different aspects of Jewish life and environmental consciousness in the modern world.
From formal seders to creative workshops, from traditional text study to hands-on planting, each community found its own way to embrace the holiday’s messages while maintaining its essential character. These celebrations not only honored the holiday’s agricultural roots but also cultivated something equally important: the growth of vibrant, engaged Jewish communities across the globe.
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Read a short Tu B’shvat Dvar Torah by our Founding Director Rabbi Menachem Schrader.
Some pictures from across JLIC Tu B’shvat celebrations:
