JMM Monthly Zine: Shvat 5784

January 24, 2024
by jewishmuseummd

This month’s zine focuses on Shvat, which goes from January 11th to February 9, 2024.

In the northern hemisphere, Shvat occurs during winter. Trees are bare, leaving behind elegant silhouettes of their impressive trunks. Mushrooms grow on fallen logs every time it rains. Frost and icicles form in the early mornings. Shvat is a time for resting and introspection.

The full moon on the night of January 24 marks the start of Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees. 

Tu B’Shvat is a holiday that encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and with trees in particular. Trees are a symbol throughout Jewish tradition, in rabbinic text, folklore, healing practices, and liturgy.

In this month’s zine you can learn about the Maryland state tree, and the mystical roots of Tu B’Shvat.

Learn more
Check out our Events + Updates page to learn more about what's going on at JMM.