Apples & Maple Syrup – A New Tu B’shvat Tradition

Tu B’Shvat Is here? How can we talk about trees when everything outside is bare and spring seems so far away?

Background:

In North America, January is a strange time for us to celebrate trees and spring, so what should we do with this quirky annual holiday? In modern times, Tu B’shvat has assumed many roles: a chance to reflect on the land of Israel (which is starting to bloom); a chance to reflect on the state of our planet (the destruction of forests and the warming of the climate); and a chance to celebrate the gifts of life that trees and other plants give. Much like Hannukah, where we celebrate light on the darkest days of the year, Tu B’shvat in New York gives us an opportunity to celebrate trees, fruit and life, even when everything outside seems so lifeless. Enjoy this holiday, it is a gift.

Activity:

Try out this new Tu B’Shvat tradition! Serve apples and dip them in maple syrup.

Why:

1) Apples are a fall crop that keeps well throughout the winter. Maple syrup is the first product trees produce each spring as the sap begins to flow in mid February. By combining these we are combining the past harvest which we have lived off all winter and the spring harvest which will sustain us soon.

2) Both products are grown locally here in North America. Connecting to Israel on Tu B'shvat is important, but so is thinking about where you live and the ecological realities of your bioregion

3) it's like apples and honey for a different new year, only both products are from trees.

Together, apples and maple syrup, a perfect New Year tradition, can bridge the gap between fall and spring and can help us celebrate natural cycles that operate even when we prefer to stay inside.


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