As balmy spring-like weather gave way to four straight days of rain last week, all of us in Israel were reminded that the winter is far from over. The rain was a fitting gift for the fruit trees (and their growers) as they get ready for Tu B’shvat, the Jewish Arbor Day, in just a few days.
Many Israelis commemorate Tu B’shvat by eating dried fruit. The original custom back in the Diaspora was to eat fruit from the Land of Israel. Since it was impossible to obtain fresh fruit, people would eat dried dates, figs, and olives brought from Eretz Israel. Ironically, the Israelis perpetuate the custom by eating dried fruit imported from Turkey, instead of feasting on fresh locally grown oranges, apples, and kiwis so abundant at the markets. (more…)