Since Rosh Chodesh Shevat, Kitah Bet has been learning about different types of trees and fruits of Israel. We read a book, "Etzim Mikol HaMinim" in Hebrew which described all kinds of trees, their blossoms, fruits and how we benefit from them. In our studies, we drew a connection to the 3rd day of creation when trees of all kinds were created. We made a second connection to our current study of Chumash as we read this week about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil as Adam and Chava were told not to eat its fruit. Students will write and illustrate a book about a type of tree in Hebrew.

This week we celebrated Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees in our classroom by making a Tu B'Shevat Seder and enjoyed tasting fruits of the seven species of fruit and grains mentioned in the Torah. Gefen - grapes and grape juice were by far the most favorite, but several students also enjoyed zatim - olives, t'anim - figs, and t'marim - dates. With the big snow storm this week which forced us to delay our Seder, students questioned why we celebrate Tu B'Shevat now and not in the Springtime. They learned that although it is still Winter in Israel most of the rain has fallen and the date was determined in the Mishna.

Soon we will turn our attention to Purim. But in the meantime enjoy Winter!

Shabbat Shalom from Kitah Bet and Morah Aviva :-)