In a few days, it will be time to celebrate Tu Bishvat (literally, the 15th of Shevat), the Jewish new year of trees.

Many people celebrate Tu Bishvat by eating fruit and planting trees — plus, of course, by diving into a generous helping of juicy texts from the Sefaria Library and user-created Sheets from Voices on Sefaria.

Keep reading for details about some fruit-themed food for thought!

Reflecting on the Natural World: The Tu Bishvat seder, originally a kabbalistic ritual, uses symbolic foods and liturgy to invite reflection on the mystical relationships between humanity, the natural world, and the Divine. In the 17th-century kabbalistic text Peri Etz Hadar (Fruit of the Citrus Tree), the anonymous author offers a blessing that links human wisdom to the rhythms of the natural world.
>> Start reading...

A Prayer for the Trees: In the prayer Leshon Chakhamim (Language of the Wise), Baghdadian author Yosef Hayyim weaves together imagery of trees and fruit with biblical language and Jewish ritual life to offer Tu Bishvat as an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
>> Start reading...

Four New Years: The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the third century, explains Tu Bishvat within a broader framework of four distinct New Years, each serving a different legal and communal purpose. This passage in tractate Rosh Hashanah highlights how agricultural cycles shape Jewish law and time.
>> Start reading...

So Many Seders: Open this collection of Tu Bishvat seders and find diverse voices and approaches, offering ready-to-use rituals as well as jumping-off points for creative adaptation. If you’re planning a seder, you can check out these ideas for how to engage actively with the themes of the day. Don’t see something perfect? No problem. Copy any Sheet and adapt in a way that suits your purposes.
>> Start exploring...

Bird Songs and Tree Music: Dive into a world of Tu Bishvat sound and song with this Sheet by Hadar’s Rising Song Institute. You’ll find textual sources, videos, and reflections on the natural world (particularly birds, trees, and music) as a source of spiritual expression.
>> Start reading...

Roots of Tu Bishvat: The Mishnah explains the legal foundation of Tu Bishvat; Mishnat Eretz Yisrael, a contemporary Israeli commentary on the Mishnah, continues the conversation on the holiday’s rabbinic and agricultural foundations. Use this Sefaria-created Sheet to get an overview of both sources.
>> Start reading...

However you’re planning on celebrating Tu Bishvat, we hope these resources offer a few thoughtful moments — and maybe even some seder fun!