Celebrate
Kabbalistic Tu Bishvat Seder: Part 3
In Jewish mystical thought, the Tu Bishvat seder became a time to atone for sexual impropriety by blessing, eating and meditating on the symbolism of fruit.
Every Person is a Tree
The Biblical law protecting fruit trees during war provides an opportunity for Jewish exegetes to reflect on ecology and the wanton destruction of life.
What The Talmud Teaches About Trees
Trees were viewed in both economic and symbolic terms by the rabbis of talmudic times.
Tu Bishvat 2026
In 2026, Tu Bishvat begins at sundown on Sunday, Feb. 1 and ends at sundown on Monday, Feb. 2.
Celebrating Shabbat in Many Ways
Contemporary Jews have adapted traditional Shabbat practices in non-traditional and sometimes surprising ways.
Shabbat in the Modern World
In modern times, non-Orthodox Jews have largely abandoned Shabbat observance, despite many innovations intended to encourage it.
Mystical Shabbat
The masters of Kabbalah explained all of the elements of the Sabbath rituals as a consistent thematic drama of the reunion of the Shekhinah the Sabbath bride, with her mate--and in so doing exerted considerable influence on the shape of those rituals.
The Rabbis’ Shabbat II: Enjoyment and Spiritual Fulfillment
The Rabbis used requirements and prohibitions to shape a Shabbat experience in which creative activity is set aside to make time for matters of the spirit. Second of two parts.