Celebrate Tu Bisvhat, the New Year of the Trees

Tu Bishvat Seder and "Seven Species of Illinois" Program
Sunday, Feb. 5 @ 5:00 pm
Adults (13+) $10, children $5 (includes dinner)

A family-friendly program open to all. Traditional Tu Bisvhat with local flavors; dinner includes Mediterranean food for adults and simpler fare for kids. Seder includes many foods and drinks to taste and seed kits provided for at-home planting.

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In 1492 Columbus sailed the oceans blue ... and the Jews were exiled from Spain. Wrenched from a land where the Jewish community had flourished for centuries, some refugees made their way to the Ottoman-controlled Holy Land. There, they reestablished ties to Israel's first homeland, connecting once again to the land that had served as the Bible's center stage.

The mystical celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, emerged at this time. It celebrated the species native to the Land of Israel and sanctified Judaism's connection to the earth. When we celebrate Tu Bishvat today, we maintain this centuries-old tradition.

This year, our Tu Bisvhat observance will commemorate not only our ancient connection to the Land of Israel but also our ties to the land we live on today. Sarah Kopp, coordinator of the Oak Park Temple Community Garden, will teach us about the "Seven Species of Illinois" and offer encouragement, tips, and supplies for gardening in our own neighborhoods and homes.