The middle of winter, when so many trees are bare, might seem like an odd time to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, which begins this year on Jan. 25. But this holiday marks the season when fruit trees’ sap starts to rise in Israel and elsewhere. So, as we strive to teach children about nature and the cycle of life, it’s only fitting that Tu B’Shevat comes at a time when those bare trees seem poised to spring back to life.
It is customary to eat almost 15 different kinds of fruits and nuts for Tu B’Shevat. In fact, food is a central part of the holiday’s observance. As you’d expect, there are specific recipes that seem particularly appropriate for Tu B’Shevat, utilizing its particular foods as a way to celebrate the natural world.Pomegranate Dip with Avocado