Tu B'Shevat 2025: The New Year of Trees

Eating the Seven Species

It is traditional to eat fruits and grains associated with the Land of Israel — the Shivat HaMinim (Seven Species) of Deuteronomy: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Many families set out a table of these foods, celebrating the abundance of the land.

The Tu B'Shevat Seder

The Kabbalists of Safed composed a seder involving four cups of wine progressively mixed from white to red, and fruits eaten in three categories: shells outside (e.g. pomegranate), shells inside (e.g. dates), and fully edible (e.g. figs). Each category corresponds to a Kabbalistic world.

Tree Planting

The Zionist movement transformed Tu B'Shevat into a tree-planting holiday. Schoolchildren plant trees across Israel and many diaspora communities hold symbolic plantings. The Jewish National Fund has planted hundreds of millions of trees in Israel over the past century.

Environmental Awareness

Tu B'Shevat has become a focal point for Jewish environmental education and activism. Jewish organisations use the day to discuss sustainable living, climate change, and the Jewish obligation of tikkun olam — repairing the world.

What are the Seven Species of the Land of Israel?

The Shivat HaMinim (Seven Species) are the seven agricultural products with which the Land of Israel is praised in Deuteronomy 8:8: wheat, barley, grapes (or grape products like wine and raisins), figs, pomegranates, olives (or olive oil), and dates (or date honey). These products are eaten on Tu B'Shevat as a way of connecting to the Land of Israel. Many Jewish families set a table with all seven species. In Israel, Tu B'Shevat falls in late winter — when almond trees begin to blossom, making the almond (not technically one of the seven) a symbolic Tu B'Shevat flower.

How is Tu B'Shevat observed today?

Observance ranges from minimal to elaborate depending on tradition. Many Jews simply eat the Seven Species and say a blessing. More observant families hold the Kabbalistic seder with four cups of wine (progressively darkening from white to red) and fruits in three categories. In Israel, schoolchildren plant trees across the country — a tradition started by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in the early 20th century. Environmentally-minded Jewish communities use the day for nature hikes, habitat restoration, and eco-education programmes. Tu B'Shevat has no work restrictions and is not a full holiday — synagogue is attended for regular weekday services.