Another reason for this tradition is the idea of connecting the Jewish people to the land of Israel. There is a lot of conflict over whom Israel truly belongs to, but for Jewish people this is a day to feel one with what they feel is their land.
Finally, another reason to celebrate Tu B'shevat is concern for the environment in our world today. Tu B'shevat serves as a reminder of how precious our environment is, and that we must not only feel a connection to it but act to protect it. We celebrate what the Earth has given us and recognize its beauty. Many Israelis plant trees all throughout Israel on this day. In fact, Israel is the only country in the world where the number of trees is increasing rather than decreasing as time goes on, with over 240 million trees planted in the last 109 years.
Tu B'shevat is highly connected to the environment. This holiday is commemorates the New Year of the Trees and is deeply connected to the agricultural cycle in Israel. The seder, which is a meal held to celebrate the holiday, consists of drinking four glasses of wine and trying different types of fruits. The Jewish people do a prayer over each glass of wine and over each fruit.
The first glass of wine is white wine. This represents the barrenness of the fall and then the winter. During the winter months we remember that nature will be a bit more distant, waiting for the cycle of “rebirth.” This cup of wine is for the trees and serves as a reminder of the beauty of the land and the fruits. With the first glass of wine comes the first fruit.
