Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat History

Tu Bishvat, or the "New Year for Trees", is a traditional Jewish celebration which seeks to show appreciation for trees and fruit. This observance not only promotes environmental awareness but also recalls the ancient agricultural roots of Jewish people. It also resonates strongly with the present concerns regarding the environment, underlining the importance of trees and fruit in maintaining ecological balance.

The celebration is rooted in Jewish law, where the "fruit age" of a tree determines the appropriate time for tithing its fruit. The tradition ultimately turned into a festival due to the connection Jewish diaspora felt to their homeland. Importantly for the UK, the significance of Tu Bishvat transcends religious boundaries. It corresponds with initiatives like the Renewable Energy Directive of the European Union, or the UK's own Carbon Budgets, which both target reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and endorse sustainable approaches to natural resources.

In the United Kingdom, Tu Bishvat is observed by Jewish communities but also speaks to those interested in climate change and sustainability. Observers often celebrate by hosting a Seder, where a variety of fruits and nuts are consumed, each symbolising aspects of the creation. The observance also provides an opportunity for educational programmes in schools and community centres centred on environmental conservation. Tu Bishvat usually occurs in late January or early February in the UK, let's rejoice in this celebration of trees, nature and future sustainability. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance begins at sundown on the day before.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Tu Bishvat in the UK

• Often referred to as the Jewish New Year for Trees, Tu Bishvat has transformed in the United Kingdom from a minor religious date into a major environmental awareness day frequently described as a Jewish Earth Day.
• One of the most significant community events for the 2026 observance is the Planting for a Greener Future initiative at the Willesden Jewish Cemetery in London, which utilizes an Eco Grant to create accessible planting spaces for local schools.
• The festival is widely marked by a traditional Tu Bishvat Seder, a ritual meal featuring four cups of wine and the Seven Species of fruit and grain mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
• In British households, a popular way to celebrate the holiday’s culinary traditions is by preparing recipes like Yotam Ottolenghi's Fig and Almond Cake, which highlights the fruits central to the season.
• The United Synagogue’s ambitious Dorot project continues to drive ecological change across the UK by encouraging the rewilding of synagogue lands and the complete phasing out of disposable plastics in communal halls.
• Many British Jewish schools and families use the occasion to read educational stories such as Sammy Spider's First Tu B'Shevat or Travis the Tree to teach children about the importance of nature and sustainability.
• Deeply rooted in the concept of shomrei adamah, or guardians of the earth, the holiday emphasizes the biblical prohibition against the unnecessary destruction of fruit trees even during times of conflict.
• The observance also serves as a moment to reflect on the legacy of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a massive UK-wide tree-planting initiative that saw over three million trees planted in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
• Mystical traditions from the 16th century remain popular, particularly the study of the first Tu Bishvat Haggadah titled Pri Etz Hadar, which translates to Fruit of the Goodly Tree.
• Modern environmentalists in the UK often pair the holiday with screenings of the documentary The Hidden Life of Trees to spark discussions on how the complex social networks of forests mirror human community values.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Tu Bishvat

Top things to do in the UK for Tu Bishvat

• Say Blessings for new Fruit. Two blessings are said for new fruits (which have not yet been eaten that year), namely the standard blessing for fruits ..Who created the fruits of the tree and ..Who kept us alive, and sustained us and allowed us to reach this day.
• Attend a Tu Bishvat tisch which is popular in Hasidic communities. A Tisch is the Yiddish word for table. It refers to a festive meal with Holy Land fruits, wine, bread, fish and other foods.
• Read a book related to Tu Bishvat such as:
  Trees, Earth, and Torah: A Tu B'Shvat Anthology - by Ari Elon, Naomi Mara Hyman, Arthur Waskow.
  The Birthday of the Trees: A Celebration of Tu B'Shvat - by Rabbi Emily S. Damron.
  Tu B'shevat: Celebrating The Wonders Of Trees - by Rabbi Marcia Prager.
  Harvest of Light: A Family Celebrates Tu B'shvat - by Allison Ofanansky, Eliyahu Alpern.
  Tu B'Shevat for Kids! Enjoy Fun Tu B'Shevat Activities, Plant a Tree & Celebrate with a Tu B'Shevat Seder - by Leanne Annett.
• Popular places you can visit during Tu Bishvat in the UK are:
  1) Jewish Museums: The Jewish Museum in London usually hosts special exhibitions and activities for Tu Bishvat.
  2) Synagogues: Attend services at local synagogues. Some have special Tu Bishvat seders or plant trees to mark the occasion.
  3) JW3 Jewish Cultural Centre: In London, the JW3 often organizes cultural events or themed activities around the holiday.

Tu Bishvat references