Educational Resources for Tu B'Shvat (The New Year for Trees)

Hi Everyone!

Tu B'Shvat, the New Year for Trees, falls on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat, January 30 this year (5770 / 2010). This Jewish mini-holiday is of major importance to our appreciation of Nature and our relationship to it.

It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the land of Israel to mark the occasion. This year Tu B'Shvat falls on Shabbat - therefore many of the holiday activities this year will take place on Thursday, January 28.

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Tu B'Shvat
http://www.jewish-trivia.com

Which fruit is used to make wine ?
When did Kabbalists originate the Tu B'shvat Seder ?
How many glasses of wine are drunk at the Tu B'Shvat seder ?
What branch of a tree did the dove bring back after the flood ?
How many days does the Hebrew month of Shvat have ?
What is associated with both Chanukah and Tu B'Shvat ?
In Israel, what happens to trees starting on the 15th of Shvat ?
Since 1901, how many trees has the Jewish National Fund planted in Israel ?
According to the Torah, which fruits did the spies bring to the children of Israel in the wilderness ?

The above questions are examples from the multiple choice Flash quiz. There are two levels of questions, two timer settings. Both kids and adults will find it enjoyable.

The Jewish Clipart Database: Tu B'Shvat
http://www.jewish-clipart.com

Whether you need a picture for your child's class project, a graphic for your synagogue, Hillel or JCC Tu B'Shvat announcement, the Jewish Clipart Database has the pictures for you. You can copy, save and print the graphics in three different sizes.

My Hebrew Song Book - Tu B'Shvat Hebrew songs
http://www.my-hebrew-songbook.com

Tu B'Shvat Hebrew songs (with vowels) for viewing and printing. All songs are in graphic format so you do not need Hebrew installed to view or print them.

Tu B'Shvat YouTube Videos
http://www.jr.co.il/videos/tu-bshvat-videos.htm

Over 25 YouTube videos about Tu B'Shvat.

The above sites have something for everyone, but if that is not enough, I posted on my website 48 links about Tu B'Shvat, from history and customs to graphics and recipes. Site languages include English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German
The web address is:

http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdaytu.htm

Please forward this message to relatives and friends, so they may benefit from these holiday resources.

Enjoy!
Jacob