Tu BiShvat Virtual Event with BZD

Tu BiShvat – The holiday of the trees – Focusing on the Seven Species – Shivat Haminim : The Seven Species mentioned in the Bible are noted as being special to the Land of Israel.

Join BZD as we will focus on three of those species and their relationship to the land.  The Pomegranate, with its numerous seeds, symbolizing fruitfulness is a staple in Israel. We will use text to look at the Jewish understanding of this beautiful fruit. For wheat, we will connect to the weekly Shabbat challah, and the concept of “hafrashat challah” (separating challah). Finally we will visit Sindyanna of Galilee, the only fair-trade olive oil producer in Israel and established by women. With their focus on “business for peace” this female-led entrepreneurship is creating new pathways in Israel.  The final four species, barley, dates, figs, and grapes complete the set of species abundant in the land of Israel.  The Jewish cycle of holidays has always been based on the agricultural calendar and its connection to the waters of Israel. We finish our tour with the connection between water, growth and spirituality.

As part of the tour, we will have a “Virtual Tree Planting Ceremony” with a special connection of a tree planted in honor of the BZD in the town of Modi’in where we live.