The 15th day of the month of Shvat marks the beginning of the "new year" for trees.

Tu B'Shvat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees which were grown in the land of Israel may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year's fruit is for G-d, and after that, the fruit can be eaten. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B'Shvat, no matter when in the year it was planted.

It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the land of Israel to mark the occasion.

This year (5770 / 2009-2010) Tu B'Shvat falls on January 30, 2010.

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Divrei Torah On Tu B'Shvat
Note: Check back often for the latest classes from Torah.org

• Spring to Life
• A Request
• A Thing or Tu 'bout Shvat
• What is Tu B'Shvat?
• Like Manna from Heaven
• The New Year for Trees
• The Importance of Trees
• An Investment In Our Future
• Of Seeds and Growth
• The Power of Blessings
• Planting the Seeds of Eternity
• Fruits of Holiness
• Abundant Appreciation

Additional Classes on Tu B'Shvat from Torah.org

• Tu BeShevat, Rabbi Pinchas Winston - 5772
• As the Season Turns, Rabbi Berel Wein - 5767
• Roots, Rabbi Raymond Beyda - 5766
• Can A Person Sleep For Seventy Years?, Rabbi Label Lam - 5765
• Planting Our Song, Rabbi Berel Wein - 5760
• Tu B'Shvat Has Arrived, Rabbi Pinchas Winston - 5758

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For questions, comments, and topic requests, please write to Rabbi Yehudah Prero.