Thursday, January 24, 2008

The 15th of Shevat , Known as Tu B'Shevat




The 15th day of the month of Shevat marks the beginning of the "new year" for trees.




The name Tu B'shevat stems from the Hebrew date of the holiday, which is on the 15th day of Shvat (שבט). "Tu" stands for the Hebrew numerals "tet vav" which is 15. In some rabbinic sources it is called Chamisha Asar BeShvat (חמשה-עשר בשבט), the "fifteenth of Shvat".




On this day it is the custom to eat fresh fruits or dried fruits, since it is the New year for the trees. Many people also have the custom to pray for a nice Sukkot Etrog on this day of Tu B'shevat.

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