It's Another Jewish Holiday -- We Celebrate Tu B'Shvat Tonight Through Tomorrow Night!

 

Today is the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, also known as Tu B'Shvat.  No, it's not another fast day.  It's a real holiday, but one without any restrictions.  

 

The holiday is known as Jewish Arbor Day and the New Year for trees.  It's a day to feel good about the bounty of nature, including trees, fruits and nuts.

 

It is customary to eat fruits on this day, especially fruits from Israel.  This includes figs, dates, oranges, pomegranates, and persimmons or Sharon fruit (afarsimonim).  All are available at most supermarkets or gourmet groceries.

Tu B'Shvat is a time for singing, feasting, and rejoicing.  So here are some Israeli children singing HaShkeidiah Porachat (The almond tree will blossom), the most popular song to celebrate the holiday.

 

Lyrics in English and Hebrew appear below the video.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

   

The almond tree will blossom 

The sun above is awesome 

Birds on rooftops all the day singing it's a holiday 

Tu Bi'Shvat Higi'a chag ha ilanot (Tu Bi'Shvat has arrived, the holiday of the trees) 

Tu Bi'Shvat Higi'a chag ha ilanot (Tu Bi'Shvat has arrived, the holiday of the trees) 

 

The land we love is grieving 

It is a time for giving 

Everyone will plant a tree with a shovel happily 

Tu Bi'Shvat Higi'a chag ha ilanot 

Tu Bi'Shvat Higi'a chag ha ilanot 

 

 השקדיה פורחת ושמש פז זורחת 

ציפורים מראש כל גג מבשרות את בוא החג 

טו בשבט הגיע חג האילנות טו בשבט הגיע חג האילנות 

הארץ משועת הגיע עת לטעת

כל אחד יטע פה עץ באיתים נצא חוצץ

 טו בשבט הגיע חג האילנות טו בשבט הגיע חג האילנות