Tu B’Shevat in Jerusalem

Tu B’Shevat,

the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat,

is often called the “New Year of Trees,”

and marks the beginning of spring in Israel

and the birthday of the Knesset.

Growing up in the United States,

 I remember receiving dried, hard, brown carob pods

 called buxor to chew on, or rather to try and chew.

How different is Tu B’Shevat celebrated in Jerusalem!

Buksor for Tu B'Shevat

Thousands of carob pods fall to the ground untouched.

Stores are filled with many varieties of dried fruit.

Every year I have tried a different spelling of Tu B’Shevat,

so I know language translations are not simple,

Prunes with nucleus instead of pit on label

but “Dried Plums without a nucleus”?

In honor of Tu B’Shevat,

almond blossoms, Jerusalem photo tour

along with almond trees bursting into bloom,

let us see a bit of what is new for this year.

President Reuven and Nechama Rivlin hosted

a Tu B’Shevat seder for agricultural growers

and representatives of OneFamily.

Orphans who had lost both parents to terror participated with

Reuven and Nechama Rivlin Tu B'Shevat sedar at BEit Hanasi for One Family and agriculture growers

 red and white wines, wheat, figs, pomegranate, almonds

and more, and in the blessings, readings and song.

But that was a small and private gathering,

as for the real streets,

 Liberty Bell Park, foliage has been cut back.

Sculpture painted yellow in Liberty Bell Park

This old sculpture was painted bright yellow,

image Bell Park

but I hope they used better quality paint than this blue.

The new walking trails along the old train tracks

Bike path and walking trail from Old Train station to Malha Mall

will be filled with pedestrians and bikers.

New neighborhood gardens are being planted,

Community garden in Baka, Jerusalem , Israel

similar to this new community garden in Baka.

Long awaited, this improved play ground

Boy playing in new Jerusalem, Israel park

is appreciated for its play and climbing features,

and also for its accessibility features,

New play equipment in Jerusalem, Israel park

such as this swing.

A new and important addition are these shade covers

Fitness equipment in Jerusalem, Israel park

 and the fitness equipment.

It took months,

Park in Baka Jerusalem, Israel

 but this improved park will be busy soon.

Gan Sacher on Lag B'Omer

For years, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

was the main green space,

 then Gazelle Park opening two years ago.

Gan Haatzmaut, Independence Park

has seen its share of picnics and protesters.

 Teddy Park became one of the most popular for its fountain,

Tower of David view from Teddy Park sculpture with boy taking photo of sky

but for photographers there is always a new angle.

Near by in Yemin Moshe,

Yemin Moshe tree replanted Jerusalem Israel park

 old olive trees were in dire need of re-potting.

And finally there is a serious effort trying to keep

these wonderful green spaces clean. 

There is much more happening, but for now,

Happy Tu B’Shevat from Jerusalem.

9 thoughts on “Tu B’Shevat in Jerusalem

  • February 8, 2017 at 4:49 pm
    Permalink

    Hi Sharon,
    Where is this new and improved park? It looks lovely.
    Hope all is well with you.
    Gita

    Reply
    • February 8, 2017 at 5:24 pm
      Permalink

      It is off of Pierre Koenig, between Yehuda and Rivka, under the new buildings of Bustan Baka.

      Reply
  • February 9, 2017 at 2:26 am
    Permalink

    Hi Sharon
    Shabbat Shalom and happy Tu’B’Shevat. I sent this photo journalism out to the entire list of the Jewish Community on our island…I know that many people will find it absolutely beautiful…especially since we have an unseasonal foot of snow and it’s still snowing…our snowdrops and all of the flowers that were peeking up are way under the snow…hopefully to rise again in the weeks ahead.
    Once again my thanks for delighting us again with your lovely photos…
    Hannah Brown Salt Spring Island, BC Canada

    Reply
  • February 9, 2017 at 3:26 am
    Permalink

    I’m a friend of Hannah’s. Love these messages from Israel to remind us that life there is mostly a joy, the news notwithstanding. Salt Spring Island and Jerusalem move in tandem through the seasons – just not this year…as Hannah notes. Snow still falling.

    Reply
    • February 9, 2017 at 5:48 am
      Permalink

      Michael Thank you. Having lived in Vancouver and Richmond, BC, I appreciate what a big deal snow is for everyone there.

      Reply
    • February 9, 2017 at 5:48 am
      Permalink

      Thank you. Shabbat shalom to all in Japan

      Reply
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