Here in New Jersey, there may be snow on the ground and temperatures in the low 40s may sound downright balmy, but to a bunch of 16th century Jewish mystics in the holy city of Tzfat in northern Israel, winter seemed like the appropriate time to celebrate nature and, specifically, trees.

Known as Tu B’Shevat, literally translating to "the 15^th day of the month of Shevat," this Jewish holiday marks the “birthday” of the trees and is similar to the American "Arbor Day." This year it’s celebrated on Jan. 19 and 20. In Israel and other warmer climates, almond, orange and other fruit-and-nut-bearing trees are just starting to bloom and Tu B’Shevat is celebrated by venturing into the yard and planting trees. 

Sounds great, though it’s a little tough when the ground is frozen and leaving the house requires four layers of clothing. But all is not lost. There are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat that don’t involve hypothermia.

Tu B’Shevat Seder

Originally created by those mystics about 500 years ago, the Tu B’Shevat seder is a meal with a special order that was modeled on the better-known Passover seder. Like Passover, the Tu B’Shevat seder features four glasses of wine or grape juice, but unlike Passover, the wine takes on a seasonal interpretation. The first glass is white, to symbolize winter; the second is white with a bit of red mixed in to represent spring; the third is mostly red with a bit of white for summer; and finally the fourth glass is all red to symbolize autumn. In addition, people eat some or all of the seven classical species associated with the land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and (date) honey.

Jewish texts such as the Talmud usually offer detailed information about the laws governing the celebration of holidays, but observance of Tu B’Shevat began later and so people have lots of choices when it comes to celebrating this festival. 

Some Tu B’Shevat seders take a spiritual approach, looking for elements of the human experience in the form of the fruits we eat. For example, participants learn to be not like the orange with a tough exterior. Others look to the environmental movement of recent years and view Tu B’Shevat as an opportunity to bring together Judaism and ecology. Click here for resources to creating your own modern Tu B’Shevat seder, or click here to explore delicious menu options.

With Kids

Samantha Rothman, co-founder of Grow it Green Morristown, suggests “sprouting potatoes in a window can be a fun activity to grow something ‘new’ in the winter months.”  To do this, stick toothpicks into a small potato and place in a jar filled halfway with water.  In a week, the potato will have sprouts and vines.  Refill the water regularly and in the spring, plant the potato in the yard. 

A winter time nature walk can be a great remedy for cabin fever and a fun way to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. “There are so many great seeds, cones, berries and dried flowers still left outside,” Rothman says. “You can harvest these and create a small natural centerpiece for your Shabbat table.” 

Families of all faiths are welcome at the third-annual "Tree Time" activity on Jan. 30 at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Details and more events are listed below. 

For Anyone

Flowers like paperwhites and tulips come from bulbs that can be planted indoors and then taken outside. Rothman says, “pick the supple branches of flowering trees, like cherry, willow or apple, or shrubs like forsythia and smash the ends with a hammer and then put in a vase. They'll bloom inside in a few weeks.”

Garden enthusiasts can find the tools they need at Moore’s Hardware, located at 123 Morris St. and Agway, at 176 Ridgedale Ave., in Morris Township, sells plants and backyard accessories for all seasons. 

Whether your Tu B’Shevat celebration is traditional or modern, elaborate or simple, take a few minutes this Wednesday or Thursday, Jan. 19 or 20, to give thanks for the natural world around us and to say “happy birthday” to the trees.

FREE UPCOMING 'OUTDOORSY' EVENTS

Tree Time

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join the Morris County Connection for the third-annual Tree Time, a free celebration of the trees for Tu B’Shevat with a storyteller, crafts, tree plantings and a sampling of holiday foods. Every child will have an opportunity to plant a tree and enjoy (nut-free) granola.  

WHERE: Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Haggerty Center, 53 East Hanover Ave. in Morris Township.

MORE INFO: http://themorriscountyconnection.wordpress.com/our-events/tree-time/

Vanishing of the Bees

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Take a peek at nature at this free film screening about "Colony Collapse Disorder." CCD has resulted in the disappearance of bees from their hives around the world and this affects people, too.

WHERE: Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, 14 Maple Ave., 3^rd Floor Training Room, in Morristown.

MORE INFO: http://www.growitgreenmorristown.org/Grow_it_Green_Morristown/Events.html

Introduction to Natural Bee Keeping

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

From chicken coops to home canning to honey, suburbanites are reclaiming the past and learning new skills. Join beekeeper Tammy Toad Ryan for an introductory class that will include information about equipment, where to get bees and where best to house them.

WHERE: Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, 14 Maple Ave., 3^rd Floor Training Room, in Morristown.

MORE INFO:
http://www.growitgreenmorristown.org/Grow_it_Green_Morristown/Events.html

Rebecca Missel is the founder of Jersey Tribe, a philanthropic and volunteer organization for young Jewish adults.