How the ancient Jewish 'new year for trees' became an Israeli celebration of nature

By Shay Rabineau, Associate Professor of Israel Studies, Binghamton University, State University of New York

As a professor who researches Israel’s extensive network of hiking trails,, I’ve spent many days and nights in the field, walking long-distance routes and sleeping under the stars. Like many Israelis, the fellow hikers I meet are passionate about venturing out into nature – and at no time is that passion more visible than the Jewish holiday of Tu BiShvat.

Thousands of people will take to Israel’s trails during…

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