Tu B’Shevat originally served as the demarcation day for the tithing of fruit. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, however, there was no longer a system of fruit offerings or Temple priests to receive them, and Tu B’shevat declined in importance. 

In the Middle Ages, the kabbalists (mystics) of Tz’fat (the city of Safed) in Israel created a Tu B’Shevat seder. It was modeled on the Passover seder, with participants reading selections from the Bible and Rabbinic literature and eating the seven species of fruits and nuts traditionally associated with the land of Israel. These are found in Deuteronomy 8:8:

“…land of wheat and barley, of vines (grapes), figs and 

pomegranates, a land of olive trees, and (date) honey.”

Almonds were also included in the Tu B’Shevat seder since  they were believed to be the first of all trees in Israel to blossom. Carob was an additional fruit to eat since it could survive the long trip from Israel to Jewish communities in Europe.

During the seder, participants drink four cups of wine or grape juice beginning with all white for the first cup and adding more red to each cup until the last is all red.  

Rabbi Sacks has created a unique Tu B’shevat seder experience with meaningful and creative readings, songs and, of course, eating and drinking. Come join with your CAH family for seder and then a Shabbat dinner on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. This will be in place of services. Mourner’s Kaddish will be recited. There is no charge.  Please let Brenda Rich  Brenda.bashful16@gmail.com  know if you will be attending so we can have enough food for all.