Celebrating Tu BiSh'vat

This week in our ELC, we have been learning about Tu BiSh'vat, the Jewish celebration which is often called the birthday of the trees. This is a time when we celebrate nature and start to build the children’s understanding of trees, nature, and why trees are so important in our world.

In Gan Gefen, we went on a nature walk in our garden, where the children collected leaves, bark and twigs. Using these collected leaves, the children were invited to create their own tree craft. We traced their arm and hand to form the tree trunk and branches. The children added their leaves to their trees.

Throughout the week, we have been discussing why trees are important. The children shared ideas that trees grow food and fruit for us to eat and provide homes and shelter for animals. We spoke about animals that rely on trees, including koalas, and how they need trees for food and safety. These discussions supported the children’s developing understanding of caring for the environment and living things.

During our Hebrew session the children were introduced to the Hebrew word for Tree - “Etz”. As Tu BiSh'vat is a celebration of trees and growth, over the last few days the children were also introduced to The Seven Species, and tasting some of these foods for the first time. These fruits and grains are special to the land of Israel. They are: Wheat (Chitah), Barley (Seorah), Grapes (Anavim/Gefen), Figs (Te'ena), Pomegranates (Rimon), Olives (Zayit), and Dates (Tamar). All of the seven rooms in the ELC are named after these agricultural products that grow in Israel.

The Junior School welcomed the new academic year by wishing everyone a joyful “Happy New Year to the Trees!”

Students marked Tu BiSh'vat across a range of Jewish Studies lessons, enjoying a delicious fruit feast while exploring different Jewish perspectives on this special day. Together, we reflected on how celebrating Tu BiSh'vat helps us recognise our people’s enduring connection with the land of our ancestors, Eretz Israel.

Today the celebrations continued with games and hands-on activities as we began to build our Jewish “toolkit” for the year. Students created a Mitzvot Tree, filling it with meaningful ways we can practise Tikkun Olam and care for our world.

Chag Tu BiSh'vat Sameach!