Celebrate Tu Bishvat the Israeli way

Join the Orlando Israeli American Council in partnership with Temple Israel, the Jewish National Fund, Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and Friends of Israel Scouts, Inc. Tzofim, for a Shishi Israeli Tu Bishvat Seder on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Temple Israel, 50 South Moss Road in Winter Springs.

Tu Bishvat reminds Jews of our connection to the earth and our responsibility to be caretakers of our planet. This special event includes a full Israeli dinner of Moroccan-style fish, roasted chicken, couscous and vegetables, two types of salad, hummus, matbukha, dessert, coffee, and tea. On Tu Bishvat, the tradition is to eat fruits from the land of Israel. The Tu Bishvat seder was created by Rabbi Luria in the sixteenth century in Tzfat and has its origin in the Kabbalah movement.

Guests will be welcomed with an interactive DJ/singer and Tu Bishvat songs. Then IAC Regional Manager Idit Lotringer and Temple Israel Rabbi Joshua Neely will share opening words about IAC and our community before Rabbi Neely leads Kiddush at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner. At 6:45 p.m., Keshet IAC will host a children's activity and the Tzofim Israeli Scouts will lead a teen activity. The Tu Bishvat seder, games, and activities for the entire family begin at 7:15. Close out the evening with a warm, family-friendly Shabbat service at 8.

According to their website, the mission of the  IAC is "to build an engaged and united Israeli-American community that strengthens the Israeli and Jewish identity of our next generation, the American Jewish community, and the bond between the peoples of the United States and the State of Israel." The IAC is the largest Israeli-American organization in the U.S., offering programming and activities for people of all ages.

Visit http://www.israeliamerican.org/orlando/iac-events/iac-tu-bishvat-shishi-israeli for more information and to purchase tickets. Tickets are $8 for children ages 4-10, $13 for adults, and $50 for families, and the last day to register is Feb. 3. For information on sponsorships, please email Ziva Kurlansik at zkurlansik@israeliamerican.org.