Tu BiSh’vat or the “New Year of the Trees” is Jewish Arbor Day. While not mentioned in the Torah, the holiday was originally an agricultural festival, corresponding to the beginning of spring in Israel.
The holiday is observed on the 15th (tu) of the Hebrew month of Sh’vat. Scholars believe that originally Tu BiSh’vat was an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring.
The holiday also has become a tree-planting festival in Israel, in which Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or in memory of loved ones and friends. Tu BiSh’vat seders (dinners) are also a popular way to celebrate with various tree nuts, fruits and wine.