Preparing for the Tu B'Shvat Seder

Ideas from Shaarey Zedek, Winnipeg, Manitoba

The tables should be set with a pretty cloth and decorated with flowers, branches and leaves.

Place Settings: Each person will need a plate, a fork or toothpick for fruit-tasting, a flower pot or paper cup (filled with potting soil), a wine cup, a napkin, and a Tu B'Shevat Haggadah.

Wine: Wine (or grape juice) is very important to the celebration of Tu B'Shevat. The colors of white, blush, pink and red wines symbolize the transition of the seasons. You will need enough to serve each person four cups.

One Approach to Seder Fruit Plates: You will need three platters of fruit as follows.

1. Fruits with an inedible shell (at least 5):
   • Tangerines
   • Grapefruit
   • Kiwis
   • Walnuts
   • Pomegranates
   • Almonds
   • Coconuts
   • Oranges
   • Peanuts
2. Fruits with an inedible pit or seed (at least 5):
   • Peaches
   • Plums
   • Avocados
   • Dates
   • Olives
   • Mangos
   • Apricots
   • Cherries
3. Fruits which are edible inside and out (at least 5):
   • Grapes
   • Raisins
   • Figs
   • Cranberries
   • Apples
   • Strawberries
   • Pears
   • Carob

Cut the fruit into bite-size pieces ahead of time so that your seder can proceed.

The USCJ Department of Programming has sample Tu B'Shevat seders. Also contact JNF for information - www.jnf.org.