What is Tu BiShvat?
Meet the “New Year for Trees:” Tu BiShvat. This event is is a unique and meaningful in the biblical holiday order. It typically is the first Jewish holiday according to the Western (Gregorian) calendar, falling some time in January or February.
While it may not be as well-known as Passover or Yom Kippur, Tu BiShvat carries deep biblical and spiritual significance, especially for those who love Israel and seek to understand God’s plan through His creation.
As believers in Jesus (Yeshua), we can see Tu BiShvat as more than just a celebration of nature—it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, a reflection of His promises to Israel, and a call to bear spiritual fruit in our lives.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Tu BiShvat, its biblical connections, how it is celebrated today, and what it means for Christians who want to stand with Israel.
The Origins of Tu BiShvat
Tu BiShvat (ט״ו בשבט) falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which usually occurs in late January or early February. The name itself is an abbreviation of the Hebrew letters ט״ו (Tu), which represent the number 15, and Shevat, the name of the month.
Biblical Roots of Tu BiShvat
While the Torah doesn’t explicitly mention Tu BiShvat as a holiday, its origins come from the laws of agriculture found in the Bible. In Leviticus 19:23-25, God commands the Israelites concerning the planting of trees:
“When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. For three years you are to consider it forbidden; it must not be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way, your harvest will be increased. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:23-25, NIV)
Because the Jewish people needed a way to calculate the age of trees for tithing and agricultural laws, the sages established Tu BiShvat as the “birthday” of trees. It marked the point when new fruit-bearing trees were considered to be a year older for the purposes of tithing and offerings.
The holiday was further established in the Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 1:1), which lists Tu BiShvat as one of the four “New Years” in the Jewish calendar (here’s an article about another one).
How Israel Celebrates Tu BiShvat Today
In modern Israel, Tu BiShvat has taken on a new and exciting significance. It is celebrated as a day of tree planting, environmental awareness, and thanksgiving for the land of Israel.
Tree Planting: Fulfilling Prophecy
One of the most beautiful traditions of Tu BiShvat in Israel is the planting of trees. This practice fulfills biblical prophecy! God promised to restore the land of Israel, turning its once-barren landscapes into fruitful fields:
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:1-2)
Since the return of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland, Israel has witnessed an agricultural miracle. Over the last century, Israelis and friends of Israel have planted millions of trees, transforming dry wastelands into lush forests and productive farmland.
The Tu BiShvat Seder: A Feast of Fruits
Another modern tradition is the Tu BiShvat Seder, a symbolic meal that includes the seven species of the Land of Israel:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Grapes
- Figs
- Pomegranates
- Olives
- Dates (Honey)
Deuteronomy 8:8 mentions the seven species as a sign of God’s blessing on the land. Many Jewish families and communities gather on Tu BiShvat to eat these fruits, give thanks, and read passages from the Bible about God’s faithfulness in providing for His people.
Tu BiShvat and Spiritual Growth: A Biblical Perspective for Believers
For followers of Jesus (Yeshua), Tu BiShvat carries an even deeper spiritual message. It reminds us of the biblical imagery of trees and fruit-bearing as a picture of our faith.
We Are Called to Bear Fruit
Jesus often used agricultural metaphors to teach about faith and the Kingdom of God. He compared our spiritual lives to trees that must bear good fruit:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Just as a tree in Israel must be nurtured, pruned, and given time to grow before bearing fruit, so too must our faith be cultivated. Tu BiShvat reminds us to examine our spiritual growth and ask, Are we bearing the fruits of the Spirit?
The Fruits of the Spirit: Evidence of a Rooted Life in Christ
Paul describes the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Just as the trees of Israel must be firmly planted to produce good fruit, our lives must be rooted in Jesus to show these spiritual fruits.
Tu BiShvat and God’s Promises to Israel
Tu BiShvat is also a powerful reminder that God is fulfilling His promises to Israel. The miraculous agricultural revival of Israel is a modern testimony of God’s faithfulness.
In Ezekiel 36:8, God declares:Set featured image
“But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home.”
The fact that Israel has blossomed in the desert, growing into a thriving nation, is evidence that God’s prophetic word is coming to pass. As Christians who stand with Israel, Tu BiShvat is an opportunity to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and pray for the continued restoration of the land and the people of Israel.
How Christians Can Celebrate Tu BiShvat
If you want to celebrate Tu BiShvat and connect with God’s heart for Israel, here are a few ideas:
- Plant a Tree in Israel – Many organizations allow you to donate toward tree-planting projects in Israel, helping to fulfill biblical prophecy.
- Eat the Seven Species – Enjoy a meal featuring the biblical fruits of Israel and give thanks for God’s provision.
- Reflect on Spiritual Growth – Use Tu BiShvat as a time to evaluate your spiritual health and pray for fruitfulness in your walk with the Lord.
- Pray for Israel – Ask God to bless the land of Israel and bring spiritual awakening to the Jewish people.
A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
Tu BiShvat is more than just a holiday about trees—it is a celebration of God’s promises, His provision, and the spiritual growth He desires in our lives.
As believers, we see in Tu BiShvat a picture of God’s redemptive work, both in Israel and in our own hearts. Just as He has caused the land of Israel to blossom, He wants to cultivate fruitful lives in each of us, rooted in His love and truth.
May this Tu BiShvat inspire us to grow in faith, bear fruit for the Kingdom, and stand in awe of God’s faithfulness to Israel and to all who trust in Him.
Join Us in Standing with Israel
At FIRM, we believe in supporting and strengthening the body of Messiah in Israel. Want to be part of what God is doing in this land? Consider partnering with us to bless local ministries and spread the love of Yeshua.
Happy Tu BiShvat!
A Simple Guide Through the Biblical Holidays: Free PDF Download
You may know them as the “Jewish holidays,” but did you know the Bible calls them “Feasts of the LORD”?
We’ve put this guide together for you so that you have all you need to know about these holidays that God calls His own.
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