Each year, the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) Cape Council and the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) come together to celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for trees. This year, thanks to the generous support of Food & Trees for Africa and the Jewish National Fund of South Africa (JNF SA), we had the privilege of planting trees at all the Jewish day schools across Cape Town.
As we planted these trees, we emphasised the significance of replanting the South African Grove in the Be’eri Forest – the site of the Nova Festival – which was devastated during the attacks on 7 October 2023. This initiative not only honours the memory of those affected but also reinforces our commitment to environmental restoration and the deep-rooted connection between our community and the land.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and the school communities for their enthusiastic participation in this meaningful endeavour. Together, we are nurturing growth, resilience, and a brighter future for all.
Did you know?
• Tu B’Shvat is considered the Rosh Hashanah of the trees
• The date falls closest to the time in Israel when much of the year’s rain has fallen, promising fertile soil & trees bearing an abundance of fruit
• On this holiday we eat produce that is native to the land of Israel: figs, dates, pomegranates, grapes, wheat, olives
• Spiritually, it is a time to give thanks for our blessings, consider our roots and connection to our enduring Jewish values, and contemplate how to strengthen these while nurturing our own personal growth.
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