Tu Bishvat Seder

This Sunday night is Tu Bishvat and we are thrilled that Simeon is with us to lead the Tu Bishvat Seder once again.

For those unfamiliar - Tu Bishvat refers to the 15th day of the month of Shevat and is celebrated as the New Year for Trees.

Although the major part of the winter is still ahead (as the weather demonstrated this week), Tu Bishvat commemorates the time when the first buds start to appear. This conveys the initial greeting of a coming spring - an idea that we will develop at the Seder. 

The Tu Bishvat Seder itself is a relatively new phenomenon. Introduced in Safed in the 16th Century, by the greatest of all Kabbalists - the Arizal - the Seder is somewhat based on the Passover Seder. Don't worry - it is certainly not as long - but you do get to drink four cups of wine ;-)

It involves enjoying the fruits of the tree, particularly those native to the Land of Israel, and discusses philosophical and Kabbalistic concepts associated with the day. Among other things, the Seder is a great way to appreciate the bounty that we so often take for granted, and to develop a good and generous eye for the world around us.

Entrance is £10 (to cover the costs of the fruit and wine) and the Seder starts at 8pm - see you there!