In Photos: Hasidic Community Observes Tu BiShvat, the 'New Year for Trees,' in Coastal Israeli City

NETANYA, Israel — Against the backdrop of Netanya's Mediterranean coastline, members of the Sanz Hasidic community gathered this week to observe Tu BiShvat, the Jewish holiday known as the "New Year for Trees." The celebration, which falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, involves traditional blessings over fruits, particularly those native to the Land of Israel, and often includes ceremonial tree plantings.

The holiday, with origins in the Mishnah, marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle for tithing purposes. In contemporary Israel, it has taken on additional layers of meaning, symbolizing environmental stewardship and the tangible connection between the Jewish people and their historical landscape. For ultra-Orthodox communities like the Sanz Hasidim, the day blends religious obligation with a celebration of natural bounty, often observed with festive meals featuring various fruits and nuts.

"This gallery, curated by Associated Press photo editors, captures the solemnity and joy of the rituals performed by the community," said a local cultural historian. "It's a visual testament to how ancient traditions are vibrantly alive in modern Israeli society."

The images show men in distinctive black garb participating in outdoor ceremonies, handling seasonal produce, and engaging in plantings—a practice that has been widely adopted by secular and religious Israelis alike since the early Zionist movement, linking the holiday to national rebirth and ecological awareness.

Voices from the Community

David Cohen, 58, Teacher in Jerusalem: "Seeing these photos is heartening. It's a beautiful reminder that our traditions aren't just in books; they're lived, season after season. Tu BiShvat connects us to the land in a very direct, physical way."

Rivka Stern, 42, Environmental Activist in Tel Aviv: "While I appreciate the cultural aspect, I wish the focus would shift more toward substantive climate action. Planting a few trees is symbolic, but we need systemic policy changes to address Israel's environmental challenges."

Aaron Feldman, 67, Grandfather from Netanya: "For my grandchildren, this day is about the fruits and the planting. For me, it's about continuity. My own grandfather planted trees on this holiday. It's a chain we must not break."

Leah Rosenberg, 35, Political Commentator: "Frankly, these images feel curated for a foreign audience. They present a picturesque, unified view that glosses over the complex, often tense realities between different segments of Israeli society. The romanticization of ultra-Orthodox life ignores the ongoing debates over their integration and civic responsibilities."