Tu Bishvat is an ancient Jewish holiday that, in biblical times, determined whether a tree was old enough for its fruit to be tithed or eaten. Every Tu Bishvat, all the trees aged one year, which is why the holiday is often referred to as “The New Year for the Trees” or the “Birthday of the Trees.” Today many Jews observe Tu Bishvat by donating money to have trees planted in Israel, and some Jews have even begun hosting Tu Bishvat “seders” to celebrate the holiday.
Another way to celebrate Tu Bishvat is by eating the seven species. In the Bible, Israel is described as a land blessed with seven fruits and grains. The seven species are: figs, dates, pomegranates, olives, grapes, wheat and barley. The recipes below are easy and delicious ways to serve all seven species at your table.
If you serve the sandwiches and dates with grape juice (or wine for the adults) you’ll be up to all of the Seven Species. Children will love helping you stuff the dates and since only a small amount of pomegranate syrup is used, you can save the rest for later. Pomegranate syrup is delightful on vanilla ice cream and can also be used to make tequila sunrises after the kids go to sleep!
Below, find recipes for pomegranate syrup, stuffed dates, and fig and goat cheese sandwiches.
Stored properly, pomegranate syrup will keep in your refrigerator for up to six months. While juicing your own pomegranates is an option, we recommend using one of the many commercially bottled varieties available. If you cannot find 100% pomegranate juice, using a “from concentrate” brand will still yield tasty results.
Ingredients:
· 2 cups pomegranate juice
· 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
· 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Makes about ¾ cup
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Lower the heat to medium-low and keep the liquid at a gentle simmer for 30-60 minutes (time will vary depending on the heat of your stove). Stirring is not required but keep an eye on the mixture to make sure it doesn’t boil. Once it has reduced down to about ¾ of a cup, turn the heat off, then transfer it to an airtight storage container to cool completely before putting it in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
· 5 medjool dates
· 2 ounces soft goat cheese (not crumbled)
· pomegranate syrup (see above)
Makes 10 bites
Cut the dates in half and take out the pits. Scoop out a small amount of flesh from each side to make a slightly larger cavity. Stuff each half with goat cheese; about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons per date half. Arrange on a serving platter, cheese side up, and drizzle with pomegranate syrup (a little goes a long way) immediately before serving. Or you can put the syrup on the side for dipping. Serve at room temperature.
Ingredients:
· 8 slices of wheat & barley bread
· 1 large yellow onion, sliced
· 10 ounces soft goat cheese (not crumbled)
· 14 large fresh figs, ends removed and thinly sliced
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
· Salt to taste
Makes 4 sandwiches
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium sized sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions have softened and turned light brown in color. Remove from heat and set aside (or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days).
To assemble the sandwiches: layer slices of goat cheese, caramelized onions and fig slices, making sure that goat cheese is the first and last layer for each sandwich (it should be touching the bread).
To grill sandwiches: In a large sauté pan or on a griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the butter and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread turns golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately.
Peter Pelaia
Peter Pelaia is a freelance writer and self-trained chef with a passion for Jewish cuisine, who also happens to be the Executive Director of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington, Vermont. For the past six years he has taught Jewish cooking and culture classes to students ranging in age from 6th graders through adults in his spare time.
FAQs
While some version of the Kabbalistic order is often followed in eating fruits and nuts on Tu BiShvat, it is generally customary to eat dried fruits and nuts even among those who are not following the Kabbalistic rite. Figs, dates, raisins, carob, and almonds are especially popular.
What are the 7 spices in Tu BiShvat? ›
It is also customary to include the Seven Species mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
What do Jews do on Tu BiShvat? ›
Nowadays, Tu BiShvat is an environmental holiday. Jews consider this day as a way to remind themselves of their duty to care for the natural world. Many Jews take part in a tree-planting ceremony, or collect and send money to Israel for them to plant a tree there.
Why do we eat fruit on Tu BiShvat? ›
For the kabbalists [mystics], this symbolic gesture has tremendous spiritual ramifications. According to their explanation, every piece of fruit–which can be considered the parent generation–holds the seed of the next generation, in other words, the potential for new life.
How to prepare for Tu BiShvat? ›
Set up your table as for Passover: white or other nice tablecloth, good dishes, flowers, wine, and juice. There is no requirement to light candles, but scented candles add a nice touch and a festive glow. Either one person can lead the seder, reciting each reading and making the blessings, or everyone can take turns.
What is the literal meaning of Tu BiShvat? ›
Tu Bishvat literally means the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat (“Tu” expresses the number 15 in Hebrew), and is the Jewish “New Year for the trees,” or “Rosh HaShanah La'ilanot” in Hebrew. It is also known as the Jewish “birthday of the trees.”
What are the first fruits offered to Jews? ›
Bikkurim (Hebrew: בכורים, /bɪˌkuːˈriːm, bɪˈkʊərɪm/), or first-fruits, are a type of sacrificial offering which was offered by ancient Israelites. In each agricultural season, the first-grown fruits were brought to the Temple and laid by the altar, and a special declaration recited.
What are the rituals of Tu BiShvat? ›
As Tu Bishvat is on the 15th day of the month of Shvat, it is common practice in some Jewish communities to consume fifteen kinds of fruits. However, this varies by community, with others specifying a requirement to eat fifteen fruits outside of the seven sacred species which may also be consumed.
What is the most common spice in Israel? ›
Za'atar is one of the most popular spices in Israel. Think of it kind of as the seasoned salt of the middle east. You can put it on bread, on veggies or on meat.
How to greet someone on Tu BiShvat? ›
What is the proper greeting for Tu B'shevat? There is no official greeting for the holiday. The standard “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday) may be said.
Celebrating Tu B'Shevat with a Vegetarian Meal: In many homes, Tu B'Shevat is celebrated by eating a meatless meal. It impacts the environment in a positive way, plus it gives Jewish families more opportunities to integrate seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains into the menu.
What are the rules for Tu BiShvat? ›
The Code of Jewish Law states that on Tu B'Shevat fasting and eulogies are forbidden, and all penitential prayers are omitted. One of the most important authorities, the Magen Avraham, adds (131:16): “It is the custom to eat many different kinds of fruit.” The almond tree is always the first to bloom...
What was the forbidden fruit in Judaism? ›
Rabbi Meir says that the fruit was a grape, made into wine. The Zohar explains similarly that Noah attempted (but failed) to rectify the sin of Adam by using grape wine for holy purposes. The midrash of Bereish*t Rabah states that the fruit was grape, or squeezed grapes (perhaps alluding to wine).
What are the four cups of wine in Tu BiShvat? ›
THE FOUR CUPS OF WINE
Like the Passover seder, the Tu Bishvat seder has four cups of wine. Red and white wines are combined in varying shades of color; white symbolizing the potential for growth (winter), and red symbolizing full growth (summer).
Do you light candles on Tu BiShvat? ›
There is no commandment to light festival candles for Tu B'Shevat.
What is the order of fruits in Tu BiShvat? ›
(5) TU BISHVAT FRUIT
If you have a preference, eat the fruits in the order you most enjoy. Otherwise the order of eating should be: olives, dates, grapes, figs, pomegranates. Say the following blessing and then eat one of the fruits: Baruch Ata Adod-nai Elohai-nu Melech HaOlam boray pri ha-aitz.
Stored properly, pomegranate syrup will keep in your refrigerator for up to six months. While juicing your own pomegranates is an option, we recommend using one of the many commercially bottled varieties available. If you cannot find 100% pomegranate juice, using a “from concentrate” brand will still yield tasty results.
