Plant a Tree for Tu B'Shevat
The best way to celebrate Tu B'Shevat is to plant a tree. In fact, this is a prevalent practice in Israel, where trees play an important ecological role, reclaiming the desert and providing shade in an arid, sandy terrain.
With the founding of the State of Israel, it became a common custom for Jewish children in other countries to collect funds to be sent to Israel for the planting of trees and the establishment of forests. Although not as widespread, this tradition continues today.
Another custom that celebrates this holiday is eating fruits, particularly fruits that are native to Israel, such as grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates, for which the Torah praises the land of Israel. You may want to make these fruits the center of a special meal or even a Tu B'Shevat seder, with recitations, songs, and wine. In fact, having a seder on Tu B'Shevat is becoming very popular in many Jewish communities, a practice that is fast becoming a new tradition.
