In Jewish tradition, Tu B’Shevat, translated as the 15th of the month of the Hebrew month of Shevat, is set aside to be the birthday of the trees. On December 30, our community experienced devastating loss of life, homes, workplaces, and more. Among those losses were also trees that are vital to our ecosystem and neighborhoods. 

Tu B’Shevat is a day to celebrate our trees. Originally a sort of tax day, which became a mystical seder celebrating tree fruits, and now a sort of Jewish Earth Day, Tu B’Shevat is an opportunity to focus on, connect with, and celebrate trees. 

Trees give us shade, oxygenate and filter the air that we breathe, and provide food, medicine, and habitat for so many creatures. They also store carbon, enhance soil health, and can even lower the ambient air temperature by 10 degrees in urban areas. In addition to the very practical benefits trees provide, they also enhance our mental and spiritual well-being, just by being around them. 

This year, we are welcoming Brett KenCairn, Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Climate Solutions to the City of Boulder, who will talk about the city’s new climate initiative to create cool corridors throughout our community and explain the importance of urban forests and carbon-rich landscapes as critical to both community well-being and climate action.

A Tu B’Shevat seder, translated as “order,” is a festive experience where we celebrate tree fruits and share together in enjoying their offerings. Our seder has now shifted to a virtual format, and the event will be at no cost. Join us Thursday, January 13, at 7:30 pm. Register here.