Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day)

Tu B'Shevat: The New Year for Trees in the United Kingdom

Tu B'Shevat, often referred to as the "Jewish Arbor Day," is a unique and spiritually significant festival that marks a pivotal moment in the Jewish calendar. While it may be considered a "minor" holiday in the sense that there are no scriptural prohibitions against working or using electricity, its cultural and environmental impact is profound. In the United Kingdom, Tu B'Shevat serves as a bridge between ancient Mediterranean agricultural traditions and modern British ecological concerns. It is a day that celebrates the resilience of nature, the importance of sustainability, and the deep-rooted connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

The essence of Tu B'Shevat lies in its name, which literally translates to the "15th of Shevat," the date on the Hebrew calendar on which the holiday falls. Historically, this day was established as the "New Year for Trees" (Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot). In ancient times, this was not merely a festive occasion but a practical fiscal marker. It served as the cutoff date for the biblical agricultural cycle, determining how the tithes of fruit—which were required to be given to the priests, the Levites, and the poor—were calculated. Any fruit that blossomed before this date belonged to the previous year's tax cycle, while fruit blossoming after belonged to the new year.

Today, the essence of the holiday has blossomed into something much broader. For the Jewish community in the UK, Tu B'Shevat has become a "Jewish Earth Day." It is a time to reflect on our responsibility as stewards of the planet (Tikkun Olam—repairing the world). In a world facing significant climate challenges, the holiday offers a moment to pause and appreciate the life-sustaining power of trees. Whether it is the ancient oaks of the British countryside or the olive groves of the Galilee, Tu B'Shevat reminds us that humanity and nature are inextricably linked.

When is Tu B'Shevat in 2026?

In the upcoming year, Tu B'Shevat will be observed on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Because the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, the dates of holidays shift slightly each year on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday officially begins at sundown on the evening before the main date. For 2026, the celebrations commence at sunset on Sunday, January 31, and conclude at nightfall on Monday, February 2.

As of today, there are 30 days remaining until the arrival of this "New Year for Trees."

The date of Tu B'Shevat is variable in the Gregorian sense but fixed in the Hebrew calendar as the 15th day of the month of Shevat. This timing is significant because, in the Land of Israel, it marks the point when the heaviest winter rains have usually passed, the sap begins to rise in the trees, and the very first blossoms—typically those of the almond tree—begin to appear. In the UK, this often coincides with the depths of mid-winter, providing a hopeful reminder that spring is on the horizon even during the coldest British months.

History and Origins: From Tithing to Zionism

The origins of Tu B'Shevat are found in the Mishnah, the first major written collection of Jewish oral traditions. The Mishnah lists four "New Years" in the Jewish calendar: the 1st of Nisan (for kings and festivals), the 1st of Elul (for animal tithes), the 1st of Tishrei (the civil New Year, Rosh Hashanah), and the 15th of Shevat for trees.

Interestingly, there was originally a debate between two great schools of Jewish thought regarding the date. The School of Shammai argued that the New Year for Trees should be on the 1st of Shevat. However, the School of Hillel argued for the 15th of Shevat. As is common in Jewish law, the ruling followed the School of Hillel, which is why we celebrate on the 15th today.

Following the exile of the Jewish people from the Land of Israel, the holiday transformed from a practical agricultural marker into a day of symbolic longing. Jews living in the diaspora—including those who settled in the UK over the centuries—used the day to maintain their connection to their ancestral homeland. They would eat dried fruits and nuts that grew in Israel, such as almonds, carob, and dates, to taste the "sweetness" of a land they could not physically visit.

In the 16th century, the Kabbalists (mystics) of Safed added a new layer of spiritual depth to the holiday. They viewed the tree as a symbol of the "Tree of Life" and created a special Seder (ceremonial meal) to celebrate the divine sparks within the physical world.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, with the rise of the Zionist movement, Tu B'Shevat took on a nationalistic and pioneering character. The Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet LeYisrael) began using the holiday as a day for mass tree-planting ceremonies to reforest the land. This tradition continues today, with millions of trees having been planted in Israel specifically on Tu B'Shevat. In the UK, this has translated into significant charitable support for environmental projects both in Israel and locally.

How People Celebrate in the United Kingdom

The UK Jewish community, which is the second-largest in Europe, observes Tu B'Shevat with a blend of traditional rituals and modern environmental activism. Because the holiday falls during the British winter, the celebrations are often focused indoors, though the "green" theme remains central.

The Tu B'Shevat Seder

One of the most popular ways to celebrate in UK homes and synagogues is the Tu B'Shevat Seder. Modelled after the Passover Seder, this involves drinking four cups of wine or grape juice, but with a twist. Each cup represents a different season or a different level of spiritual manifestation:

1. White wine: Symbolising winter and the dormancy of nature.
2. White wine mixed with a little red: Symbolising the first stirrings of spring.
3. Red wine mixed with a little white: Symbolising the growing warmth and the ripening of fruit.
4. Pure red wine: Symbolising the full heat of summer and the harvest.

During the Seder, participants eat various fruits and nuts, often divided into three categories based on their physical structure: Fruits with an inedible outer shell but edible interior: (e.g., walnuts, oranges, pomegranates). These represent the physical world and the protection we need. Fruits with an edible exterior but a hard pit inside: (e.g., olives, dates, cherries). These represent the emotional world, where the "heart" needs protection. Fruits that are entirely edible: (e.g., figs, grapes, strawberries). These represent the spiritual world, where there are no barriers.

Eating the "Seven Species"

A central tradition is eating the Shivat HaMinim, or the Seven Species, which are praised in the Torah as being indigenous to the Land of Israel. These include: Wheat and Barley (often consumed as crackers or cake) Grapes (as wine or fresh fruit) Figs Pomegranates Olives Dates (often represented by date honey or "silan")

In the UK, supermarkets in areas with large Jewish populations, such as Golders Green, Stamford Hill, or Prestwich, often stock up on exotic and high-quality dried fruits in preparation for the holiday.

Ecological Awareness and Education

In recent years, the "Green Tu B'Shevat" movement has gained significant momentum in the UK. Organizations like EcoJudaism work with synagogues across the country to audit their environmental impact. On Tu B'Shevat, many Jewish schools (such as those under the JFS or King David umbrellas) hold assemblies focused on recycling, carbon footprints, and the importance of protecting British woodlands.

Children often participate in "fruit tasting" sessions or plant saplings in pots to keep on windowsills until the British weather is warm enough for them to be moved outside. It is a day where the curriculum shifts from standard subjects to a deep dive into biology, ecology, and Jewish ethics regarding the environment (Ba'al Taschit—the prohibition against needless destruction).

Traditions and Customs in the UK Context

While the core of the holiday is universal across the Jewish world, the UK context adds its own unique flavour.

Tree Planting in the UK

Planting a tree in February in the UK can be a challenge due to frozen ground or heavy rain. However, many UK Jews choose this time to donate to the Jewish National Fund (JNF UK) or MyTree.org.uk. These donations go toward planting trees in Israel or supporting forest conservation. Locally, some communities partner with British charities like The Woodland Trust to sponsor trees in UK forests, blending their Jewish identity with their pride in the British landscape.

Charity (Tzedakah)

Tu B'Shevat is also a time for charity. Many families use the day to donate to "green" causes. There is a traditional custom of trying to eat a "new fruit" (a fruit one hasn't tasted yet that season) on Tu B'Shevat to recite the Shehecheyanu blessing—a prayer of gratitude for being kept alive to reach this season.

Synagogue Services

In the synagogue, the liturgical changes are minor but noticeable. The Tachanun (a prayer of penitence) is omitted from the daily services because Tu B'Shevat is a day of joy. Some congregations hold special "Tu B'Shevat Shabbat" services on the Saturday closest to the holiday, featuring sermons focused on the environment and songs like Eretz Zavath Chalav U'dvash (A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey).

Practical Information for the 2026 Celebration

If you are planning to observe Tu B'Shevat in the UK in 2026, here are some practical tips to ensure a meaningful experience:

1. Sourcing Fruit: Visit local kosher delis or major supermarkets early. Look for the "Seven Species." In the UK, you can often find high-quality Medjool dates and Israeli citrus fruits which are particularly appropriate for the day.
2. The Weather: As February 2, 2026 falls in the middle of the British winter, outdoor events are rare. If you are planning a community sapling planting, ensure you have an indoor "Plan B" or focus on potting plants that can be kept indoors.
3. Community Events: Check the websites of major UK Jewish organisations such as the United Synagogue, Reform Judaism, or Liberal Judaism. They often host communal Seders or online workshops about sustainability.
4. For Schools: If you have children in a Jewish day school, they will likely have a "dress in green" day or a fruit-sharing party. If your children are in non-denominational schools, Tu B'Shevat is a wonderful opportunity to send in a basket of fruit to share with the class and explain the "Jewish Earth Day" concept.
5. Visitors and Non-Jews: If you are not Jewish but are invited to a Tu B'Shevat Seder, it is a wonderful, inclusive experience. The focus is on the universal themes of nature and gratitude. There are no restrictive "work" rules, so you can attend without worry. It is customary to bring a gift of fruit or a donation to an environmental charity.

Is it a Public Holiday in the UK?

It is important to note that Tu B'Shevat is not a public holiday in the United Kingdom.

Schools: State schools and non-Jewish private schools remain open and follow their normal timetables. Jewish schools remain open as well, though they will dedicate a significant portion of the day to holiday-related activities and celebrations. Businesses and Banks: All offices, shops, and financial institutions operate with normal business hours. There are no legal requirements for time off, and the vast majority of Jewish professionals will work a full day. Transport: Public transport (National Rail, London Underground, buses) operates on its standard Monday schedule.

• Government Offices: All local and national government services remain fully operational.

For those in the Jewish community who wish to attend a morning Seder or a community event, it is usually managed as a personal arrangement rather than a national day of rest. However, because the holiday begins at sundown on Sunday, January 31, many families take advantage of the Sunday evening to host their main festive meal without it interfering with the Monday work and school schedule.

The Enduring Message of Tu B'Shevat

As we look toward February 2, 2026, 2026, the message of Tu B'Shevat feels more relevant than ever in the United Kingdom. In a society increasingly concerned with the "Climate Emergency" and the loss of biodiversity, this ancient festival provides a spiritual and ethical framework for environmentalism.

The Talmud tells a famous story of a man named Honi the Circle-Maker, who saw an old man planting a carob tree. Honi asked, "How many years will it take for this tree to bear fruit?" The man replied, "Seventy years." Honi then asked, "Are you so fit that you expect to live seventy years and eat of its fruit?" The man answered, "I found a fruitful world because my ancestors planted for me. Likewise, I am planting for my children."

This is the heart of Tu B'Shevat in the UK. It is a day of hope. While the British skies might be grey and the trees bare in early February, the Jewish community celebrates the hidden life within the bark and the promise of a green future. By planting trees—whether physically in the soil or metaphorically through charity and education—the community ensures that the "Tree of Life" continues to flourish for generations to come.

Whether you are participating in a full Kabbalistic Seder with four cups of wine or simply taking a moment to appreciate a piece of fruit and the tree it came from, Tu B'Shevat 2026 offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and the deep traditions of the Jewish faith.