Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

 TU BISHEVAT RESOURCES

On the Web

http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/tubshvat/tu_bshvat.asp
The Akhlah site, The Jewish Children’s Learning Network, includes the basic information in a child-friendly format, with a vocabulary list in Hebrew and English.

http://www.jhom.com/calendar/shevat/index.html
A scholarly approach to Tu BiShevat, including the basics as well as the kabbalistic approach to the holiday. Also contains midrashim, poetry, book excerpts, and an educator’s guide with teaching approaches.

http://www.knesset.gov.il/tubishvat/eindex.html
Since the first meeting of the Knesset was held on Tu BiShevat, the Knesset celebrates its birthday on that day. Of particular interest is the “History and Sources” section, which includes the background of the holiday, information on trees in Jewish sources, and customs regarding Tu BiShevat since the beginning of modern Zionism.

http://www.ualberta.ca/~yreshef/tuintro.htm
Suitable for a young audience, this site provides background information and the story of Honi ha’Me’agel, with an online quiz.

http://www.virutaljerusalem.com/judaism/holidays
Follow the Tu BiShevat link to extensive information about this holiday.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, Sue. Behold the Trees. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books, Scholastic Press, 2000.

Israel, a land once protected by all sorts of wonderful trees is reduced over time by war and environmental neglect to desert, until new inhabitants plant trees and slowly make her bloom again. Elementary - Middle School.

Bernstein, Ellen. Ecology and the Jewish Spirit. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1997.

This anthology of essays (37 in total)contains a wealth of information, under the headings "sacred place," "sacred time," and "sacred community." High School - Adult.

Biers-Ariel, Matt. Solomon and the Trees. New York, NY: UAHC Press, 2000.

A touching midrashic story that provides insight into King Solomon’s love for the trees and animals. His actions inspired the planting of seedlings and the holiday of Tu BiShevat. Elementary.

Buxbaum, Yitzhak. A Tu BeShvat Seder: The Feast of Fruits from the Tree of Life. Flushing, NY: Jewish Spirit Booklet Series, 1998.

A proposed seder, with anecdotes and meditations, centering on fruit and fruit trees. The booklet also contains an appendix, notes, glossary and bibliography. High School - Adult.

Cone, Molly. Listen to the Trees: Jews and the Earth. New York, NY: UAHC Press, 1995.

This book looks to the Torah for its environmental wisdom. Its emphasis is on caring for the Earth as an important part of Judaism. Contains Interesting and beautiful illustrations, as well as clever cartoons. An extensive teacher's guide by Gabriel Goldman is available. Elementary - Middle School.

Donahue, Mike. The Grandpa Tree. Niwot, CO: Roberts Rinehart, Inc., 1988.

An elementary tale of the life cycle of a tree, from its beginning as a sapling to its new contributions when it dies on the forest floor. Elementary.

Elon, Ari, Naomi Mara Hyman & Arthur Waskow. Trees, Earth and Torah: A Tu B'Shvat Anthology. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 1999.

This anthology is a comprehensive collection of texts and resources, from Biblical to modern times that celebrates, honors, and reflects on the holiday of Tu B'Shevat and God's relationship to the world. Includes English translations of poems, stories, and a special "Shemoneh Esrei for the New Year of the Trees." High School - Adult.

Fisher, Adam. Seder Tu Bishevat. New York, NY: CCAR Press, 1989.

Excellent examples of Tu BiShevat seders. Seder I is for teenage participants; Seder II is for children 4th grade and over. The seders enrichs family or congregational celebration with music, poetry, symbols and clear interpretation.

Gershator, Phyllis. Honi's Circle of Trees. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 1994.

Retells the wondrous deeds of Honi the circle maker, who wandered over the land of Ancient Israel planting carrot seeds. Elementary.

Houghton, Eric. The Crooked Apple Tree. Brooklyn, NY: Barefoot Books, Inc., 1999.

This book presents the adventures of Kate and Ben as they see the old apple tree in their garden reveal new surprises every season. Early Childhood.

Isaacs, Ronald H. The Jewish Sourcebook on the Environment and Ecology. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aaronson, Inc., 1998.

A wide-ranging book which covers the religious aspects of nature and ecology in Judaism. A reference source for plant products mentioned in the Bible and midrash, for healing plants mentioned in the Talmud, and for Hebrew names based on nature. High School - Adult.

Iverson, Diane. My Favorite Tree. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 1999. Examines traits and uses of 26 North American trees and describes notable or historic specimens. Elementary.

Le Tord, Bijou. Noah's Trees. New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1999.

Illustrated story which introduces young children to Noah and his faith in God. Includes Noah as a planter of trees. Early Childhood.

Lerner, Carol. My Indoor Garden. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books, 1999.

This book explains how to choose, grow, and care for your own indoor plants. Elementary.

Neot Kedumim. Seder Tu B’Shvat. Jerusalem, Israel: The Education and Youth Division of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, The Jewish National Fund, 1998.

A celebration of Israel’s seasons and of ecology in the Jewish tradition. High School - Adult.

Polacco, Patricia. The Bee Tree. New York, NY: Philomel Books, 1993.

To teach his granddaughter the value of books, a grandfather leads a growing crowd in search of the tree where the bees keep all their honey. Elementary.

Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. A Prayer for the Earth: The Story of Naamah, Noah's Wife. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996.

Beautifully illustrated modern midrash of how each species of plant on the Earth was saved before the Flood by Noah's wife, Naamah. Elementary.

Waldman, Neil. The Never-Ending Greenness. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books, 1997.

When his family comes to live in Israel after the end of World War II, a young boy begins planting and caring for trees, a practice that spreads across the whole country. Elementary - Middle School.

Wood, Douglas. Grandad's Prayers for the Earth. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1999.

A grandson is comforted when Grandad dies because Grandad has explained how all things in the natural world pray and make a gift to the beauty of life. All ages.

Zalben, Jane Breskin. Pearl Plants a Tree. New York, NY: Simon & Shuster Books for Young Children, 1995.

Exquisitely illustrated story of the interaction between a grandfather and his granddaughter in passing on the tradition of planting trees. It contains information on how to plant a tree from scratch, two midrashim on trees, and descriptions of tree planting holidays in many different cultures, including Tu BiShevat. Early childhood.