How We Celebrate Tu B’Shevat at Lester Senior Living

How We Celebrate Tu B’Shevat at Lester Senior Living

Tu B’Shevat, also known as the “New Year for Trees,” is a celebration of nature and the impact we have on the environment around us. Observed on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, this holiday invites us to reflect on our connection to the natural world and our role in caring for it. At JCHC’s Lester Senior Living, we celebrate Tu B’Shevat with meaningful resident activities that bring the spirit of the holiday to life.

Enjoying Fruits of the Holiday

One of the central traditions of Tu B’Shevat is eating a variety of fruits, particularly the “Seven Species” mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as being native to Israel: figs, dates, grapes, olives, pomegranates, wheat, and barley. These fruits not only symbolize abundance, but also remind us of our deep-rooted ties to the land of Israel.

Residents at Lester Senior Living enjoy sampling these delicious fruits as part of Tu B’Shevat. From sweet dates to tangy pomegranates, these foods add flavor and honor the holiday. For those who love trying new recipes, we also recommend trying our delicious and healthy pomegranate, red pepper, and walnut dip to bring the spirit of Tu B’Shevat into your own kitchen!

Gathering for a Tu B’Shevat Seder

Another cherished tradition of Tu B’Shevat is the seder, a ritual meal similar to the Passover Seder. This unique gathering involves eating fruits in a specific order, reciting blessings, and reflecting on the symbolic meaning of each fruit. At Lester Senior Living, many residents come together in the community dining room to celebrate with their own Tu B’Shevat seder.

This tradition creates a sense of connection, not only to the holiday’s environmental and spiritual themes but also to one another. It’s a wonderful way for our residents to honor the past, embrace the present, and celebrate the natural world in a way that is meaningful.

Creating Terrariums to Celebrate Nature

While Tu B’Shevat is often marked by tree-planting ceremonies, the colder weather in New Jersey makes outdoor activities less feasible during this time of year. Instead, Lester Senior Living will host a special terrarium-making workshop, allowing our residents to participate in an activity that reflects the holiday’s values of growth and renewal.

During this workshop, residents will create their own miniature gardens in glass containers. This hands-on activity not only serves as a tribute to Tu B’Shevat, but also allows participants to bring a touch of greenery into their own apartments. These terrariums serve as a lasting reminder of the beauty of nature in our daily lives.

Celebrating Jewish Traditions at Our NJ Senior Living Communities

Chag sameach from all of us at JCHC! At our senior living communities in New Jersey, we strive to help residents find joy and meaning in Jewish traditions like Tu B’Shevat. From hands-on workshops to festive gatherings, we ensure our residents can connect with their heritage and celebrate every holiday in enriching ways.

If you’d like to learn more about our Tu B’Shevat plans or how we honor Jewish traditions across all JCHC communities, please reach out to us today. Learn more about the engaging activities and exceptional care we provide for seniors in Morris and Essex Counties by visiting our website at: https://jchcorp.org.


Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/how-we-celebrate-tu-bshevat-at-lester-senior-living/ 

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