Tu B'Shevat: 'New Year for Trees' continues to flourish in Israel and abroad

(JNS) - Tu B'Shevat, the "Jewish New Year for Trees," gained a new meaning in the early 20th century. The tree-planting tradition that was renewed and adopted by the Zionist movement became a symbol of connection to the Land of Israel.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) played a central role in embedding this late-winter celebration as a tradition in Israel through mass tree plantings, environmental education and the promotion of nature conservation values.

The holiday became a large-scale national event, as students, youth movements and families ventured out to Israel's fo...