Tu B'Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday known as the "New Year for Trees." (Jewish Year 5766: sunset February 12, 2006 - nightfall February 13, 2006) Apparently there are few customs or observances related to this holiday. One custom is to eat a new fruit (or dried fruit I guess) on this day, usually we think of planting trees.
It is a time to celebrate the beginning of new growth and the change of the seasons. Although it generally falls in January or February, in Israel this is the time when the first signs of spring are seen in the blossoming of the almond trees (its springy here too...)
Anyway, happy tu b'shevat!
Posted by Emily at February 12, 2006 07:49 PM