Festival of the Trees

Tu B'Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar—celebrated this year on Wednesday, February 4, 2015—is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

     This evening one of the host families invited all 15 participants and the 8 host families for a celebration dinner.  The setting was their large modern home overlooking the lights of the city and campus of Haifa University!  Prior to the meal is a short service, including tasting wine, dates, almonds, apples and strawberrires. There are a few songs and then a festive meal.  You start with white wine, drink some and then add a drop of red wine. Drink more, add more red wine.  And repeat .  Until ultimately you have a glass of red wine.   Wisely they used very small wine glasses!