JEWISH NEW YEAR FOR TREES
Sunday, January 30, 2011
1:30 to 3 p.m. 

The Jewish holiday of Tu B' Shevat celebrates a New Year for trees and the importance of nature preservation. Traditionally, this would be the beginning of the year used for the purpose of calculating the ages of trees. Tu B' Shevat stands for the 15^th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, which falls at the end of January or beginning of February on our calendars. 

A common way to celebrate this holiday is by planting a tree on this day. The practices and celebratory traditions and activities seen on Tu B' Shevat are much like the ones we as Nebraskans practice in celebration of Arbor Day. 

This year, along with Beth El Synagogue, Lauritzen Gardens will be celebrating Tu B' Shevat on Sunday, January 31 in the garden's visitor and education center. Join us at the garden for family activities from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Activities will include a planting project for children and adults, stories, cookie decorating and more. Visitors will be able to taste each season through nuts, seeds or fruit as they tour the spring flower show in the floral display hall. At each station, there will be information on how to "be green" for all to learn from.

Admission to this event has been underwritten.