Be honest—it’s hard to think about trees blooming when it’s freezing outside, and the ground is covered in snow. But in Israel? The almond trees are waking up, and Tu B’Shevat is a full-on celebration of growth, renewal, and connection to the land. And this year, you don’t have to just imagine it. Our Rishonim are bringing their favorite traditions straight to Greater MetroWest.
Known as the “New Year of the Trees,” Tu B’Shevat is celebrated this year from Wednesday, February 12 at sundown to Thursday evening, February 13. This holiday marks the time when the first trees in Israel begin to bloom after winter, starting a new fruit-bearing cycle.
The name Tu B’Shevat comes from the Hebrew date 15 Shevat (ט״ו בשבט). Today, it is observed by eating fruits, particularly grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. This holiday encourages us to reflect on the cycles of growth in nature and in our own lives, reminding us that, like trees, we too are constantly evolving and renewing ourselves.
Here’s how the Rishonim grew up celebrating this special holiday and what they’re missing most this year:
Omer: “In school, we plant trees and even sell flowers. My grandma always gives us a huge plate of dried fruits and candies—my favorite is dried apples. And Tu B’Shevat is extra special in my family because it’s also my father’s birthday. His name is Ilan, which means ‘tree’ in Hebrew.”
Nofar: “For me, Tu B’Shevat is about caring for nature. I was in the Israeli Scouts, and after a big fire in the Carmel Forest in 2016, I got to plant trees with President Reuven Rivlin. It was a moment I’ll never forget. Now, living in New Jersey, I really miss the trees back home. My favorite fruit to eat on Tu B’Shevat are apricots. And this year, I want to celebrate by going on a hike with the other Rishonim.”
Dvir: “Growing up, we would visit the almond trees every year when they started blooming. In school, we made a special blessing on the trees, and we’d also go hiking as a class. Tu B’Shevat was also a time to get together with family. My grandparents live in Ra’anana, and I always loved eating dried fruits with them. Every year, we’d take a field trip to plant trees. I miss how green Israel is in the winter—when it rains, everything comes to life. Israeli winter is basically like New Jersey summer.”
It’s hard to believe, but the Rishonim’s year here is flying by. And soon, they’ll be heading back to Israel for their first visit home since arriving. After months away, here’s what they’re most excited to do:
Dvir: “I can’t wait to be back with my family and friends. We’re spending Shabbat in a villa, and I’ll definitely visit Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. One of my first stops? Bourekes Amikam in Tel Aviv. They make these huge bourekas. I always get cheese with tomato sauce. When I was in Israel, I used to go once a week.”
Omer: “For me, it’s about reconnecting with friends, especially those in the army who finally get a break. I’ll travel south, maybe stop by one of the coffee trucks by the beach or in the desert. Israel has these cool pop-up trucks along the beach. And, of course, I’ll spend time with my family. My absolute favorite place? A cliff by the beach in Herzliya. I used to go there three times a week. I miss it so much.”
Nofar: “I haven’t decided yet if I’ll surprise my friends or tell them when I’m coming, but either way, I can’t wait to see them! I’m planning to visit Mitzpeh Ramon, spend time in Haifa, and check out the local food trucks like Omer. My favorite place in Israel is the Carmel Forest. I love hiking the trails there, making tea outside, and just sitting with friends, playing backgammon or Settlers of Catan with my family. That’s home to me.”
This spring break, the Rishonim will soak in every moment back home. But for now, they’re bringing a little piece of Israel’s Tu B’Shevat right here to Greater MetroWest—giving us all a taste of how the land, the trees, and the people come alive during this holiday.