SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY CELEBRATION

• The simplest kind of Tu B’Shevat celebration is a little party with refreshments and fruits reminiscent of Israel. Foods could include representatives from the seven species of produce grown in the land of Israel: wheat, barley, grape vines, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates (Deuteronomy 8:8). Other traditional foods include the almond, the first tree to bloom each spring in Israel, as well as carob, oranges, avocados and bananas. It is customary to recite the Shehechyanu blessing before eating the first fruit of the season, as well as the blessings for eating p'ree ha’eytz (fruit from trees).

• Plant trees in Israel through the Jewish National Fund in honor or in memory of a loved one.

• The Israeli date cake serves as a reminder of the sweet dates of Israel as well as the snow on our own mountains!