Celebrating Tu B'Shevat: The New Year for Trees
There are so many beautiful Jewish holidays, but one of my very favorites is Tu B'Shevat. Tu B'Shevat means “New Year for Trees” and it is celebrated on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, which this year happens to be today!
In Israel, this holiday takes place right around the time that the first trees begin to bloom and it is usually the beautiful almond tree that leads the way with its pink and white blossoms. This holiday can be celebrated in many ways but some of the most common forms of celebration include planting trees, eating dried fruit, or simply reflecting on our connection to the plant world.
My family likes to celebrate by eating almonds and fruit that is typically found in Israel like apricots, figs, dates, and raisins. Another fun way to celebrate is creating crafts related to plants like flower crowns or this adorable children’s lollipop tree craft!
How to Grow a Lollipop Tree
Gather This:
- A small bag of your kids’ favorite lollipops
- A small to medium sized pot
- Enough potting soil to fill the pot
- A small branch
- A glue gun
Do This:
Part to do without the kids: Glue lollipops (save at least one for the other part of the project) to the branch to create a “lollipop tree”. Stash this somewhere your kids won’t find it.
Then, ask your kids to join you and let them know that you want their help to grow a lollipop tree. Have them watch as you cut the stick off of one of the lollipops and have them bury it just like a seed. Let them water it and then tell them that a lollipop tree will soon grow.
When they are not around, plant your lollipop tree branch in the soil firmly and let your kids discover that their lollipop tree has grown!
For links to more article and tips on how to celebrate life every day, be sure to connect with Sophie on Twitter by following @philosophiemama!
Main image is courtesy of natureisrael.com.