Traditions of Tu BiShvat celebrated at CMU
As Jewish Heritage Week continues, event attendees learned about a new holiday
Around the large room, people sat at round tables with colorful covers. Those tables were full of chocolate and vanilla pudding cups, Mott's fruit snacks, plant pots and Oreos.
The Jewish holiday, Tu BiShvat, took place on Wednesday, Jan. 24 in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.
Tu BiShvat was originally not a holiday but an important date for Jewish farmers. It later evolved into a birthday of trees. The day of Tu BiShavt, which takes place on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, is celebrated as an ecological awareness day. Trees are planted in celebration.
Another definition of Tu BiShvat is Jewish Earth Day or New Year for the Trees.
Sophomore Rae’Ven Griffin learned why the Jewish culture celebrates Tu BiShvat.
“I came to this event to support my old (resident assistant),” Griffin said. “Even though I’m Christian, I wanted to learn more about Jewish traditions.”
Pot painting was Griffin’s favorite activity.
Griffin said they liked being able to interact with this educational event and learning the importance of Tu BiShvat.
As Lily Segall, the organizer of the celebration, presented slideshows, the crowd learned some of the traditions that go on during Tu BiShvat. Some of the traditions are:
- spending time in nature
- planting seeds
- planting trees
- cleaning up the plant
- donating to an environmental cause
The tradition of planting seeds and trees is a ceremony to symbolize the renewed connection between the nation and land. Those who celebrate Tu B’Shevat seder will eat at least 15 different types of fruits and vegetables.
Some of the food that eaten are figs, dates, raisins, carob, almonds and others.
During Tu BiShvat Jewish people will eat fruits and vegetables is to represent a different way that the trees give to them. Also, representing their own spiritual growth.
Some of the traditions that Jewish people celebrate during Tu BiShvat are eating a vegetarian meal, donating to plant a tree and making a resolution to be more sustainable.
Segall directed the attendees to get paint brushes, dirt and seeds for their plant plots.
As the crowd painted their pots, their laughter and conversation filled the room.
“I wanted to give more people a chance to interact with Jewish culture,” Segall said. “People are able to hangout (at this event) and have fun.”
Segall also said she wanted people to know the educational and importance of Tu BiShvat. Being able to learn and have an activity to go along with helps people have a hands-on approach to learning about different cultures, she said.
