Between the High Holidays and Passover, it can be easy to fall into the winter lull. It’s bleak outside and the couch is more appealing than ever. However, this period is home to a wonderful Jewish holiday that celebrates the outdoors — more specifically, trees.
Tu B’Shvat returns this year from Feb. 1 to Feb. 2, and while it might be chilly, it’s a holiday well worth celebrating. The “New Year for Trees” is host to some wonderful community and family fun in Baltimore, with a handful of great events coming in the beginning of February. Check out these four happenings if you’re interested in celebrating Tu B’Shvat this winter.
Temple Beth Am — Tu B’Shvat Celebration
On Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Temple Beth Am is having a wonderful Tu B’Shvat celebration in the temple’s garden that will “honor the birthday of the trees and our connection to nature, community, and Jewish tradition,” according to the synagogue. The programming will have plenty of fun for kids, as well as traditional prayer and observance for adults and kids alike. There will be tefillah with religious school students, plenty of song and cheer, and general appreciation of the nature all around us. After tefillah there is lunch and a Tu B’Shvat seder, which includes a great activity — planting parsley seeds as a way to celebrate the holiday of the trees and get ready for Passover in the spring.
Howard County Conservancy — Happy New Year, Trees: A Tu B’Shvat Celebration
The Howard County Conservancy isn’t a Jewish organization, which means that this event is a particularly good one for families who aren’t religious or made up of multiple faiths. The free event on Feb. 1 starts at 1 p.m., and will include sing-a-longs, stories and a hike around the conservancy to visit some champion trees. All are welcome at the Howard County Conservancy Tu B’Shvat celebration, Jewish or not. The event is designed for those 5 years old and up, as the hike is beginner to moderate in difficulty but won’t accommodate strollers. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and those with dogs are also asked to leave them at home. Make sure to register beforehand on the conservancy’s website if you plan on taking part.
B’nai Israel Synagogue — Tu B’Shvat Celebration With Pearlstone
This is a Tu B’Shvat event geared toward adults. From 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 1, join B’nai Israel, Pearlstone and Adamah for a fun night of worship and appreciation of the natural world. There will be midrash and Kabbalah teachings, and plenty of music. The song will be led by Pearlstone’s shaliach, Avihay, as well as Shlicha Yael. Held at B’nai Israel, the event is free with a recommended donation. Enjoy delicious fruits and wine and come together with your fellow Charm City Jews. Register ahead of time on the Adamah website.
JCC — Hands on Holidays: Tots- Tu B’Shvat
This is a celebration perfect for those 5-and-under and their families. The Feb. 9 event starts at 10 and runs until 11:30 a.m., and includes a bagel breakfast, a holiday-themed take home craft and plenty of time to hang out with friends new and old. The event costs $15 per family for members and $18 for non-members, and is being held at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. If you have young ones and need a good weekend activity, but also want to celebrate the new year of the trees, check out the JCC’s Tot- Tu B’Shvat. After all, what’s better than bagels, nature, friends and tired-out tots?
Regardless of how you celebrate Tu B’Shvat, celebrate it somehow. Not only is it a light during an otherwise dreary period, but it also teaches important values about appreciating the natural world. We have plenty of trees in the greater Baltimore area, so why not spend a day appreciating all that they do for us?
