Ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat with kids

By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator

This year, Tu B’Shevat will begin in the evening on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, and end in the evening on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.

According to Jewish tradition, all trees share the same birthday on Tu B’Shevat. Although it’s a lesser-known holiday, observance of Tu B’Shevat is growing due to the rising importance of Earth stewardship. Families can celebrate by enjoying any number of activities. Here are some of our suggestions:

Read a book about trees

Pick up your favorite book about nature, trees or caring for the environment. Here are some Tu B’Shevat selections:

“Dear Tree,” by Doba Rivka Weber (Recommended for ages 2 to 3 years)

On the Jewish New Year of the Trees (Tu B’Shevat), a little boy shares his hopes and wishes for trees — and especially for the one under which he plays.

“It’s Tu B’Shevat,” by Edie Stoltz Zolkower (Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years)

With rhyme and colorful illustrations, this book tells the story of a boy and his family, who plant a tree in honor of the Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish holiday known as the birthday of the trees.

“Netta and Her Plant,” by Ellie Gelman (Recommended for ages 4 to 5 years)

The plant that Netta received on Tu B’Shevat is growing — and so is Netta. In fact, soon it will be time for the plant — and Netta — to do new things. Growing bigger is intimidating, but it’s also wonderful.

Build your family tree

Tu B’Shevat is a perfect opportunity to talk about your family story. For more family tree ideas, visit the PJ Library Pinterest board.

Enjoy Tu B’Shevat food

Use our special PJ Library Tu B’Shevat meal plan (https://pjlibrary.org/ beyond-books/pjblog/january-2017/ a-tu-b-shivat-meal-plan) to find fast and fun recipes to learn with all your senses. Don’t feel like cooking? Try cream cheese and fig jelly on whole wheat bread — a quick and yummy Tu B’Shevatthemed sandwich.

Plant parsley

The Bible Belt Balabusta explains that planting parsley connects our early spring holiday with our main spring holiday — and provides step-by-step instructions to do it. Read a story like “Planting Parsley,” by Pamela Ehrenberg or “Thank You, Trees!” by Gail Langer Karwoski and Marilyn E. Gootman as you do your planting. Your Tu B’Shevat parsley will grow in time for your Passover seder!

“LET’S EXPLORE SHABBAT”

Hope to see our PJ Friends at our next Park Playdate, Jan. 30, 3-4 p.m. North Collier Regional Park, Can U Dig It Playground