Celebrate Tu B'Shvat on Feb. 13

In the Jewish calendar, Tu B'Shvat is the 15th day of the month Shevat. It begins on the evening of Feb. 12. As this minor holiday acknowledges trees and the fruits of the tree, typically fruits like raisins, figs, grapes, pomegranates, dates, oranges, and olives are eaten.

There are many ways to celebrate the holiday with your children and grandchildren:

Myrna Ossin suggests arranging a platter of tree fruits in the shape of a tree; embed pieces of cooked broccoli like tree leaves on top of a corn bread to resemble a tree; make a centerpiece for your table of fall leaves and nuts; enjoy a day with nature (check out the 'Parks' section of "Orlando and Central Florida on and off the Beaten Path," by Ossin).

Many people celebrate the holiday by planting a tree, a fun tradition also to do with your children or grandchildren. You can also think about planting a tree in Israel by purchasing a certificate through the Jewish Welfare Fund, Hadassah or the Jewish National Fund. In fact, JNF has a sweepstake running through Feb. 13. Plant a tree with or without a certificate and be entered in the sweepstake to win an El Al voucher and a spot on a JNF-USA volunteer mission. Each tree costs $18. To learn more about the sweepstake go to jnf.org.