Shalom Parents,

It may be freezing in Chicago, but the first almond trees are starting to bloom in Israel and spring is around the corner! Beginning this Sunday evening and continuing through Monday, we celebrate the one-day holiday of Tu B'Shevat. This holiday reminds us of our connection to Israel through nature, trees and the environment. It’s celebrated around the world with the planting of seeds, tasting of fruits, a commitment to planting trees in Israel and recommitting to Bal Tashchit, the Jewish value of not wasting. Below is a list of helpful ways you can use Tu B'Shevat to spice up your week:

• Look in your child’s backpack for a Tu B'Shevat package complete with dried fruit treats from Friends of JEFF (Jewish Experiences For Families) and Israeli spices from our Shinshinim.

• Visit a fruit market and find fruits your family hasn’t eaten this year. Use it as an opportunity to say Shehecheyanu for something new.

• Break free from the dinner rut with a Tu B'Shevat seder on Sunday night. No prior experience is required! Pick up white grape juice and red grape juice so you are ready for 4 cups of juice (or wine) to represent the four seasons. 

Check out the list below for articles, events and resources put together by Bernard Zell educators:

• Dayenu: A Jewish Call for Climate Action 

•  31 Days of Climate Action

•  Crowdsourcing Sustainability’s Top 12 Most Effective Climate Actions

•  Spertus Institute’s Responses to Climate Change: Resources and Recommendations

•  Commit 1 Hour a Week to Climate Action with Climate Changemakers

• Spread love and plant a tree in Israel through Jewish National Fund’s Bernard Zell fundraising page.  

• Use the holiday as an opportunity to reinforce your family’s values about Israel. Ask your child about Israel and see what they know or are curious about.  

• Find a family member or friend who has traveled to Israel. Share some pictures or stories from being in Israel.  

Have a wonderful and joyous Tu B'Shevat! If you and your family celebrate, tag us on social media! If your profile is set to private, email your photos or activities to communications@bernardzell.org.

B’Shalom,

Rachel Jury
Director of Jewish Studies