Planting for the Future: Tu B’Shevat at Beber Camp
What Is Tu B’Shevat?
Tu B’Shevat is known as the Birthday or New Year of the Trees. Its name comes from the Hebrew date, the 15th day (Tu) of the month of Shevat. This year, Tu B’Shevat begins at sundown on Sunday, February 1. It’s the first sign that spring is on its way, which means summer and camp are closer than we think!
A Story About the Future
A midrash tells of an old man planting a fig tree. When asked why, since he would never enjoy its fruit, he replied: “I plant for those who come after me, just as others planted for me.” Tu B’Shevat reminds us of our responsibility to future generations.
Why Celebrate the Trees?
- Biblical Roots: In ancient times, Tu B’Shevat helped farmers track tree ages to know when fruit could be harvested or brought to the Temple.
- Spiritual Meaning: In the 16th century, mystics in Tzfat created the Tu B’Shevat seder, celebrating fruits grown in Israel such as figs, dates, olives, wheat, barley, and pomegranates.
- Modern Israel: Zionist pioneers planted trees on Tu B’Shevat, helping transform Israel’s landscape. Planting trees in Israel remains a meaningful tradition today.
- Jewish “Earth Day”: Tu B’Shevat highlights our responsibility to care for the planet. As the Talmud teaches, Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—we are responsible for one another, now and in the future.
How Can You Celebrate?
✅ Plant a tree in Israel in honor of Tu B’Shevat or in honor or memory of someone special.
✅ Host a Tu B’Shevat seder with your family. It’s easy, use this resource.
✅ Watch a short video about Tu B’Shevat.
✅ Take a fun Tu B’Shevat quiz with your family.
✅ Give Tzedakah by donating to an environmental organization.
✅ Take a nature walk and appreciate the world around you.
✅ Share with us! Have your camper send a drawing or photo of their favorite tree or outdoor space at camp—tell us why it’s special! We may feature it in a future publication or on social media.
Why This Matters at Beber Camp
At Beber Camp, our trees, land, and lake are part of what makes camp special. Tu B’Shevat reminds us to protect our environment so future campers can enjoy it too—and it reminds us that spring (and summer!) are coming, and soon we’ll all be back together under the trees at Beber!