Celebrate

Explaining to grandchildren Jewish environmental action

Recounting the moral obligations of Purim before the celebration begins

Moral strength is found in fulfilling religious obligations.

The joy of Purim is preceded by solemnity.

Finding new meaning in tree planting

Evil in the world is symbolized by fruit at the seder.

For Jewish mystics, nature is a sacred text.

A well-known story that weaves together Tu Bishvat, tree-planting and the rebuilding of Israel

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.

Lessons from the Torah

The Biblical law protecting fruit trees during war provides an opportunity for Jewish exegetes to reflect on ecology and the wanton destruction of life.

Trees were viewed in both economic and symbolic terms by the rabbis of talmudic times.