search
Yocheved Pianko Feinerman
Go with Yo

The Ultimate Tu B’Shevat Trip Guide for High Energy Moms

The Tu B’shevat Challenge.

Create an elevating, energizing experience.

For me, a High Energy Mom. For my family. For my community.

For you, my fellow High Energy Moms. For your families. For your communities.

For all of us, High Energy Moms searching for a meaningful existence for ourselves, our families, our communities. Our world.

The Method:

  • Design an itinerary.
  • Pay tribute to the past.
  • Rejoice in the present.  
  • Prepare for the future.

Oh, and it should be fun, unique, creative, relaxing, and family-friendly! With great food and interesting finds.

Challenge Accepted.  

The Ultimate Tu B’Shevat Trip Guide for High Energy Moms: Where to Go, What to See and Who to Meet

Let’s Recap – What Are We Celebrating?

Tu B’shevat Historical Roots 

Torah

וְכִי־תָבֹ֣אוּ אֶל־הָאָ֗רֶץ וּנְטַעְתֶּם֙ כָּל־עֵ֣ץ מַאֲכָ֔ל וַעֲרַלְתֶּ֥ם עָרְלָת֖וֹ אֶת־פִּרְי֑וֹ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֗ים יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֛ם עֲרֵלִ֖ים לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל׃וּבַשָּׁנָה֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔ת יִהְיֶ֖ה כָּל־פִּרְי֑וֹ קֹ֥דֶשׁ הִלּוּלִ֖ים לַיהוָֽה׃וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַחֲמִישִׁ֗ת תֹּֽאכְלוּ֙ אֶת־פִּרְי֔וֹ לְהוֹסִ֥יף לָכֶ֖ם תְּבוּאָת֑וֹ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם: ויקרא י״ט:כ״ג-כ

When you enter the land and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit shall be set aside for jubilation before the LORD: and only in the fifth year may you use its fruit—that its yield to you may be increased: I the LORD am your God.’  Leviticus 19:23-25

Fruits, vegetables, and grains are grown in the Land of Israel are subject to a set of unique laws. Portions of your product must be tithed and brought to the Beit Hamikdash (bikkurim, t’rumah and m’aaser). In addition, a certain percentage of the crops were to be designated for the poor (ma’aser oni) and a certain part may only be eaten in Jerusalem (ma׳aser sheni).

Mishna

אַרְבָּעָה רָאשֵׁי שָׁנִים הֵם. בְּאֶחָד בְּנִיסָן רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה לַמְּלָכִים וְלָרְגָלִים. בְּאֶחָד בֶּאֱלוּל רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה לְמַעְשַׂר בְּהֵמָה. רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר וְרַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמְרִים, בְּאֶחָד בְּתִשְׁרֵי. בְּאֶחָד בְּתִשְׁרֵי רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה לַשָּׁנִים וְלַשְּׁמִטִּין וְלַיּוֹבְלוֹת, לַנְּטִיעָה וְלַיְרָקוֹת. בְּאֶחָד בִּשְׁבָט, רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה לָאִילָן, כְּדִבְרֵי בֵית שַׁמַּאי. בֵּית הִלֵּל אוֹמְרִים, בַּחֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר בּוֹ:” משנה ראש השנה א׳:א

“The four new years are: On the first of Nisan, the new year for the kings and for the festivals; On the first of Elul, the new year for the tithing of animals; Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Shimon say, on the first of Tishrei. On the first of Tishrei, the new year for years, for the Sabbatical years and for the Jubilee years and for the planting and for the vegetables. On the first of Shevat, the new year for the trees according to the words of the House of Shammai; The House of Hillel says, on the fifteenth thereof.” Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1

The first mention of Tu B’shevat is in Talmud Rosh Hashanah. The Mishnah details the halachic timeline for the terumot and ma’aserot, tithings of one’s harvest, which enhance consumption of fruits grown in the Land of Israel.

  • After a tree turned four years old, its owner would offer up the tree’s first fruits as an offering.
  • In the fifth year on Tu B’Shevat, farmers could begin using and benefitting both personally and economically from the produce.
  • The tithing schedule — what is required to be taken and given to whom — differs from year to year within the seven-year shemitah cycle.
  • Each new year of the cycle begins on the 15th of Shevat.

The destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, in 70 CE, effectively ended public celebration of Tu B’shevat.

Kabbalistic Revival – Tu B’shevat Seder

 

It was not until the 16th century, that Tu B’shevat was again celebrated publicly.

Kabbalists used trees as a metaphor to comprehend God’s relationship to the spiritual and physical world. According to Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in his classic work, Derech Hashem, The Way of G-d, explains that the higher spiritual realms are roots that ultimately exert their influence through branches and leaves in the lower realms (imagine an upside-down tree).

The Kabbalists, mainly those living in Tzfat, or Safed, compiled a Tu B’shevat seder. The most famous seder was published in the Kabbalistic work, Chemdat Yamim, and later published separately under the title Pri Etz Hadar.

Following the model of a Pesach seder, the Tu B’shevat seder includes four cups of wine, as well as the consumption of seven fruits symbolic of Israel. It is said that the famous Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal, would eat 15 varieties of fruits at the seder.

Modern Day: The Chalutzim -Yesod HaMa’ala

ועוד ניטע … כי חוץ ממה שיהיה רווח גדול מהפירות … הלא גם כן נצרך לבריאות, כי האדם עץ השדה, הוא חברה אחת וזה בלא זה אין להם חיים טובים. לזאת ראשית עיסוקינו הוא בנטיעות, כי כן הורה לנו הבורא עולם טרם כל לעסוק בנטיעות כי גם הוא עשה כן, כמו שכתוב: ויטע אלוהים גן בעדן

מתוך מכתב אלעזר פישל סלומון אל חותנו ע”פ ספר “תקופת חיבת ציון” ליבניאלי חלק ב’ עמ’ 155.

And we will plant … apart from what will be a great profit from fruits … it is also needed for health, because man is the tree of the field, is for company and without trees, they do not have a good life. This is the beginning of our business in planting, for the Creator has instructed us, before all, to engage in plantings, for He also did so, as it is written: “And God planted a garden in Eden.” From a letter Elazar Fischel Solomon to his father-in-law, according to the book “Hibbat Zion” Part II

יסוד המעלה – עולה מהנוער הגרמני

As the Jews, began returning to the land, towards the end of the 19th century, a new Tu B’shevat custom, began to spread.

Planting Trees.

The custom is first mentioned in 1884 Yesod Hamaala. The pioneers of the first aliyah planted 1,500 fruit trees.

Roots of Today’s Netiot Trip

ילדים צועדים לנטיעות ט”ו בשבט, שנות ה-40

למען חבב את הנטעים, נטעי הארץ אשר נטע ה’ לאבותינו לשבוע מטובם ולהתענג מיופיים, יש לבית-הספר לעשות יום טוב את היום אשר נועד מימי קדם בישראל לראש השנה לאילנות, לערוך בו במערכת, ברוב חן והדר, את העצים, הנטעים, השושנים. מתוך מכתב אלעזר פישל סלומון אל חותנו ע”פ ספר “תקופת חיבת ציון” ליבניאלי חלק ב’ עמ’ 155.

For the sake of loving plants, and planting the land that God planted for our fathers for a week and enjoy their beauty, the school has to make the day a yom tov, the day that was designated from ancient times in Israel for the New Year for trees, to perform with grace and splendor the trees, planters and roses. ” From a letter Elazar Fischel Solomon to his father-in-law according to the book “Hibbat Zion” Part II.

On Tu B’shevat 1892, Rabbi Ze’ev Yavetz, one of the founders of the Mizrachi movement, planted trees in the Zichron Yaakov region.

In 1904, Professor Otto Warburg proposed establishing a Zionist Fund to plant olive trees on lands redeemed by KKL-JNF. The development of planting trees into a Jewish tradition is to the credit of the Misrad Hachinuch.

In 5665 (1904), Misrad Hachinuch and the KKL-JNF enacted tree planting in all the schools throughout the country.

כרזה של הסתדרות המורים – הזמנה לנטיעות לכבוד טו בשבט, 1927 לערך English: Teacher’s Association Poster – Tu Bishvat, 1927

Tu B’shevat and the Knesset

On Tu B’shevat 5709 (February 14, 1949), the Constituent Assembly met for the first time in Jerusalem. Two days later, the legislature was given its official name – the KnessetYearly, the Knesset celebrates its establishment on Tu B’Shevat, and members of Knesset participate in tree-planting ceremonies around the country.

Let’s Go

The custom of planting trees on Tu B’shevat spread to Jewish communities across the world and continues to serve as a connection between Israelis and Jews in communities throughout the world.

Here in Israel, millions of adults and children travel all over Israel, planting trees in honor of Tu B’shevat.

Where should we go?

Can I get on the bus, and go plant trees with the kids?

Consult with Margalit Frydman, High Energy Travel Expert

With a degree in archeology, a master’s in the Land of Israel, and over thirty years experience leading in-depth university level tours, as well as family-oriented fun trips, Margalit Frydman of Margalitours was the perfect High Energy Expert to consult for the Ultimate Tu B’shevat Trip Guide for High Energy Moms.

Margalit, Hi. It’s Yocheved. Everyone loved your Chanukah trip suggestions. Can you advise me on the best places for High Energy Moms to celebrate Tu B’Shevat? Yocheved. Sure. I have some great ideas. Let’s meet tomorrow at Aroma.

Over coffee and ginger tea, Margalit wowed me with her high energy, and her abundance of ideas! I had a lot of work ahead of me!

Over the next few weeks, I researched locations, visited sites, sampled food, tasted the wines, met fabulous people, discovered great shopping and drank many many cups of coffee.

Margalit, thank you, I had the best time! Todah Raba to all my new friends that welcomed me, fed me, chatted with me, gave me birthday presents and offered awesome coupons.

 

Here it is. The ultimate list of high energy things to do this Tu B’shevat.

  1. Experience nature, up close and personal at KKL/JNF Visitor Center at Ilanot Forest
  2. Add to your art collection — visit local Israeli artist, Ruth Bloch
  3. Bake bread and prepare lunch at a cooking workshop at Jacobs Dairy Farm
  4. Relax with a cup of coffee (with the fresh milk produced that morning) at Jacobs Dairy Farm Cafe. Or splurge with a scoop of ice cream (using milk produced that very morning) at Jacob’s Gelato
  5. Tour and taste different types of wine at Alexander Winery
  6. Hit the local shops at Drorim Mall. Buy supplies for your next knitting project at Vitrina crafts store. Or buy a new scarf at Noise
  7. Dinner at Jem’s or Pizza Hut
  8. Sample seven different flavors of olive oil at the Shamna Boutique Olive Oil
  9. Check into the Yama Spa and Wine Jacuzzi
  10. Attend a creative gardening workshop at Elizabeth Kay’s Chamama
  11. Bring Tu B’shevat home. Buy a plant from Wendy’s Garden Center

I Too Am Planting for My Descendants

יומא חד הוה אזל באורחא חזייה לההוא גברא דהוה נטע חרובא אמר ליה האי עד כמה שנין טעין אמר ליה עד שבעין שנין אמר ליה פשיטא לך דחיית שבעין שנין אמר ליה האי [גברא] עלמא בחרובא אשכחתיה כי היכי דשתלי לי אבהתי שתלי נמי לבראי. תענית 23א

One day, [Honi] was walking along the road when he saw a certain man planting a carob tree. Ḥoni said to him: This tree, after how many years, will it bear fruit? The man said to him: It will not produce fruit until seventy years have passed. Ḥoni said to him: Is it obvious to you that you will live seventy years, that you expect to benefit from this tree? He said to him: That man himself found a world full of carob trees. Just as my ancestors planted for me, I too am planting for my descendants. Taanit 23a

My Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School classmates may remember this Gemara, from our Tu B’shevat, play. Ani Choni, Choni Hamagel. Ata Choni, Choni Hamagel. Ani, M’Yisrael. Ata M’Yisrael. Shoutout to the best choral director, Mrs. Marlena Tuchinsky!

Click here to plant a tree, with your own hands.

Click here to virtually plant your tree in Israel.

KKL/JNF Ilanot Forest Visitors’ Center

Start your day at KKL/JNF Ilanot Forest Visitors’ Center.

Cyclists will enjoy biking through the arboretum, (botanical forest). 

Others (read: me) may prefer virtual cycling. Don a pair of virtual reality glasses attached to a bike and soon you will feel like you are riding down woodland paths and over the tops of trees.

Next, head to the theater. Relax (your ride was exhausting) in the theater’s comfortable chairs while watching a cute film about the conservation of forests.

Or close your eyes.

No pressure but pay careful attention, there will be a test, I mean a trivia quiz.

After you ace the test, I mean game, head outdoors to the Ilanot Forest. Touch the tree trunks of more than 150  species of trees from locations all over the world. Smell the flowers. Connect with nature.

Is Your Phone Charged?

Entertain yourself (read: your kids) by uploading the interactive forest game on your phone.

Interactive Game

  • Scan QR codes on signs positioned near the trees all over the arboretum.
  • Solve riddles.
  • Find your way thru the tree maze.
  • Listen to explanations provided by KKL-JNF Sharon Region forester Sinai Paz-Tal, the director of the botanical garden.

End your visit with a quick snack, at one of the many picnic benches.

Know Before You Go

Address: Kvish 4, Hasharon. Between Dror Junction and Hasharon Junction (Beit Lid Junction).

Waze: יער אילנות (write it in Hebrew – trust me, I got lost. Twice)

Schedule your visit: The visitors center is open every day, including Fridays, Shabbat, and holidays, from 8.00 a.m. until sunset. Call ahead to arrange a visit to the Visitor’s Center or book a private tour 050-6273641

Ages: The suggested age for the visitors’ center is 6 and older (I took a 4, so up to you) The botanical garden is suitable for anyone 4 years old and over.

This baby seemed perfectly fine.Click here to learn about the historical roots of the Ilanot Forest.

Send my regards to Avi.

Local Israeli Artist Ruth Bloch

The tree the tempest with a crash of wood. Throws down in front of us is not to bar. Our passage to our journey’s end for good, But just to ask us who we think we are. –Robert Frost

Art collectors, you will not be able to pass up this opportunity. Meet the sculptor, and maybe add a new sculpture to your collection. Local Israeli artist Ruth Bloch lives in Kadima-Tzoran, just a few kilometers away from the Ilanot Forest. Her work is exhibited throughout the world in both public and private collections.

I was personally inspired, motivated and energized by the time that I spent with Ruth. My upcoming blog and vlog will hopefully introduce you to this exceptional woman.

Coming Soon: High Energy Women In Conversation with Ruth Bloch

Know Before You Go

Schedule your visit: info@ruth-bloch.co.il

Ages: Ruth Bloch is a High Energy Savta, mom and lover of people at pets of all ages.

Send my regards to Ruth.

Enjoy the Produce of the Land – It’s a Mitzvah

כִּ֚י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מְבִֽיאֲךָ֖ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ טוֹבָ֑ה אֶ֚רֶץ נַ֣חֲלֵי מָ֔יִם עֲיָנֹת֙ וּתְהֹמֹ֔ת יֹצְאִ֥ים בַּבִּקְעָ֖ה וּבָהָֽר׃אֶ֤רֶץ חִטָּה֙ וּשְׂעֹרָ֔ה וְגֶ֥פֶן וּתְאֵנָ֖ה וְרִמּ֑וֹן אֶֽרֶץ־זֵ֥ית שֶׁ֖מֶן וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ אֶ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹ֤א בְמִסְכֵּנֻת֙ תֹּֽאכַל־בָּ֣הּ לֶ֔חֶם לֹֽא־תֶחְסַ֥ר כֹּ֖ל בָּ֑הּ אֶ֚רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲבָנֶ֣יהָ בַרְזֶ֔ל וּמֵהֲרָרֶ֖יהָ תַּחְצֹ֥ב נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃׳ דברים ח: ז–י

For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey; a land where you may eat food without stint, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you can mine copper. When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.” Deuteronomy 8:7-10

Kfar Haroeh

In the land of Israel, it is possible to draw the joy of holiness from the site of joy itself… When we delight in love from the delights of the source of holiness, there descends a pure joy, enriched with delight, which draws the atmosphere of the land of Israel—to some degree—outside the land, to revive the spirit of those who hope for the mercies of God, who yearn to see it and to rejoice in its joy. Orot Hakodesh III, p. 187

What better place to enjoy the holy produce grown in the Land of Israel than in Kfar Haroeh, named after HaRav Avraham HaCohen Kook, who spent 28 years as the rabbi of the moshav.

Jacobs Dairy Farm

Jacobs Dairy Farm has earned a reputation for being one of the largest and best-known boutique dairies in the country.

Italico, Aged Gouda or Manchego 

Cheese production at Jacobs Farm is carried out with the using the most innovative equipment and strictest measures of quality control, but still using the traditional methods of small dairies in Europe. They process the milk of goats, sheep, and cattle, producing some 25 different kinds of five-star cheeses: hard, semi-hard, and “moldy” ones, and of course soft cheeses and yogurts.

Master Chef Cooking Workshop

Taking a hands-on cooking class at Jacob’s Farm might be as close as you can get to fulfilling the words of Rav Kook. Using cheeses produced right at the dairy, bread baked right on premises and fresh local produce.

Choose from over fifteen different types of scheduled workshop or call Dafi and arrange a private cooking workshop for your group.

Highly recommend the Arabic cooking workshop with Master Chef Mozana.

The workshop participants prepared; I ate: pastry filled with Lebanese and za’atar filling with yogurt sauce, vine leaves filled with dipped pine nuts, parsley, and tomatoes, fattoush salad, K’nafa filled with mozzarella nuts and cinnamon, chia salad.

Can I have seconds?

Cafe Hafuch

Preparation of daily menu, at Jacobs Cafe, begins early every morning, when fresh loaves of bread are removed from the oven.

Enjoy a latte prepared with good fresh milk and choose from a selection of pastries, sandwiches, fresh salads, quiches, soups.

Taste the Gelato

Yocheved, you have to taste the gelato. I think I may have to pass, I am stuffed from eating two plates of food from the cooking workshop, tasting five different kinds of cheeses, eating a pastry at the cafe, and two cups of coffee. You must taste our gelato – Italian style ice cream, made daily using fresh, creamy milk produced right here at Jacobs Farm. Sure, I’ll try the peanut butter, please.

Prepared on premises with a newly purchased ice cream machine, Jacobs Farm has begun producing high-quality rich ice cream. You will immediately taste the homemade texture and taste.

Delicious! Creamy! Absolutely fantastic!

Can I try the chocolate, vanilla and caramel, sweet bananas, sour berries, and peanut butter?

Stock Your Fridge – Jacobs Cheese Store

Don’t leave without stopping at the store. Sample quality cheeses such as Italico, with its nutty fragrance that is great with pasta, or the aged Gouda or newer cheeses like the Spanish-style Manchego or the cheese in wine.

I may need some help to the car.

Know Before You Go

Address: Jacobs Dairy, Kfar Haroeh.

Book your cooking workshop: Call Dafi 04-6366111.

Waze: גבינות יעקבס – חנייה (write it in Hebrew)

Ages: All ages

Send my regards to Dafi, and Tal!

Beit Yitzchak – Alexander Winery

וְיַ֤יִן ׀ יְשַׂמַּ֬ח לְֽבַב־אֱנ֗וֹשׁ לְהַצְהִ֣יל פָּנִ֣ים מִשָּׁ֑מֶן וְ֝לֶ֗חֶם לְֽבַב־אֱנ֥וֹשׁ יִסְעָֽד׃ תהילים קד: טו

Wine that cheers the hearts of men oil that makes a face shine, and bread that sustains man’s life.” Psalms 104:15

Next stop on our Tu B’shevat adventure is Alexander Winery. Located in the heart of the Sharon region.

Beginning as a small family venture, the Alexander Winery quickly grew into a very successful, highly acclaimed boutique winery.

Learn the differences between metal cask and wood, and about the unique family whose labor of love can be felt in every bottle, from expert guided lead tours of the production facilities and wine cellar.

Visit the tasting room, join workshops, stop by our small and charming wine store, sit at the wine bar overlooking orchards and vineyards surrounding the center, or enjoy the roofed patio for large or small scale events.

Love your jewelry, Liza!

Taste the SendorOverlooking the scenic pasture is the tasting room.

Sample selections of exciting and delicious blends and single grapes, together with a freshly grown, variety of olives, cheeses, and warm bread.

‏Bar’s favorite: Gaston  

Ayala‘s favorite: Franc

Yoram’s favorite: Alexander the Great

Know Before You Go

Address: 15 Derech Hefer, Moshav Beit Yitzhak – Sha’ar Hefer

Waze: Alexander Winery

Schedule your wine tasting: 09-882-2956

Ages: Wine tasting is for adults only, but bring some sports equipment along for your kids to play with outdoors.

 

Send my regards to Yoram and Ayala!

Time for Sewing

לַכֹּ֖ל זְמָ֑ן וְעֵ֥ת לְכָל־חֵ֖פֶץ תַּ֥חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ עֵ֥ת לָלֶ֖דֶת וְעֵ֣ת לָמ֑וּת עֵ֣ת לָטַ֔עַת וְעֵ֖ת לַעֲק֥וֹר נָטֽוּעַ׃ עֵ֤ת לִקְר֙וֹעַ֙ וְעֵ֣ת לִתְפּ֔וֹר׃ קהלת ג

A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven: A time for being born and a time for dying, A time for planting and a time for uprooting the planted; A time for ripping and a time for sewing… “ Ecclesiastes 3:1–3

Drorim Mall

Vitrina Crafts Store

While your kids are busy playing on the outdoor equipment, head inside the Drorim Mall, and select materials to knit a scarf or plan your next crafts project with helpful the owner or the store assistants at Vitrina Crafts Store.

Is an hour too far to drive for weekly knitting lessons?

Noise

For those who prefer scarfs, already knitted, check out the trendy selection available at Noise.

Can I see that bag? Hat? Fabulous jacket? And those boots?

Hungry? Jem’s Beer Factory or Pizza Hut.

Know Before You Go

Address: Gilboa 1, Bnei Dror 45815

Waze: Drorim Mall

Bathroom: Located above Vitrina

Send my regards to Hadas!

Gentle Exfoliating Healing Grape Massage

וְעַל־הַנַּ֣חַל יַעֲלֶ֣ה עַל־שְׂפָת֣וֹ מִזֶּ֣ה ׀ וּמִזֶּ֣ה ׀ כָּל־עֵֽץ־מַ֠אֲכָל לֹא־יִבּ֨וֹל עָלֵ֜הוּ וְלֹֽא־יִתֹּ֣ם פִּרְי֗וֹ לָֽחֳדָשָׁיו֙ יְבַכֵּ֔ר כִּ֣י מֵימָ֔יו מִן־הַמִּקְדָּ֖שׁ הֵ֣מָּה יֽוֹצְאִ֑ים והיו [וְהָיָ֤ה] פִרְיוֹ֙ לְמַֽאֲכָ֔ל וְעָלֵ֖הוּ לִתְרוּפָֽה׃ (ס) יחזקאל מ״ז:יב

All kinds of trees for food will grow up on both banks of the stream. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fails; they will yield new fruit every month because the water for them flows from the Temple. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12)

Yama Wine Spa

We’re going to finish off our Tu B’shevat day by checking into the Yama Wine Spa, located in Zichron Yaakov.

You deserve it!

Fulfill the prophecy of Yechezkel.

  • Soak in a bath of wine.
  • Relax to the sounds of wind blowing through the trees.
  • Soak in an oak barrel bath spiked with juice, oils, and extracts of Merlot grapes.
  • Scrub your skin with grape seeds and wrapped in wine, honey, and organic essential oils.

Watch the last rays of the sun flickering in the horizon while savoring a platter of assorted fruits, cheeses, and wine.

Vinotherapy should be a Tu B’shevat requirement.

Know Before You Go

Address: Ha-Hagana St 21, Zichron Yaakov

Waze: Yama Wine Spa B&B

Schedule your visit: https://www.yamaspa.co.il/

Send my regards to Amit!

The Blessing of Olive Oil

“וַאֲהֵ֣בְךָ֔ וּבֵרַכְךָ֖ וְהִרְבֶּ֑ךָ וּבֵרַ֣ךְ פְּרִֽי־בִטְנְךָ֣ וּפְרִֽי־אַ֠דְמָתֶךָ דְּגָ֨נְךָ֜ וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣ וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ שְׁגַר־אֲלָפֶ֙יךָ֙ וְעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת צֹאנֶ֔ךָ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לַאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ לָ֥תֶת לָֽךְ׃” -דברים ז׳:י״ג יד

He will love you, and bless you, and multiply you; and He will bless the fruit of your belly and the fruit of your soil—your grain, your wine, and your olive oil—the offspring of your cattle, and the herds Devarim 7:13-14

Shamna Boutique Olive Oil

On your drive home, make sure and stop at Moshav Hagor, Shamna Boutique Olive Oil.

Some of the finest extra-virgin olive oils in the world is produced at the family owned and operated Shamna – Boutique Olive Oil.

For decades, the Abramov family has produced olive oil using high tech Italian machinery with olives from their nearby and well-tended fields.

Bring home all your favorites. Shamna products are not sold in supermarkets, only on site. Make sure and return during the olive season.

Nili, I love my birthday gift of Barna Pisholin, almost ready for a new one!

Know Before You Go

Address: Hakalanit 81, Hagor

Waze: Shamna Boutique Olive Oil

Schedule your visit with Rivka Avramov 073-783-4602

Kashrut: Required to take terumot and maasrot on your own.

Send my regards to Nili and Rivka!

Sing the Songs of the Vegetables

Once when Rav Kook was walking in the fields, lost deep in thought, a young student walking with him plucked a leaf off a branch. Rav Kook was visibly shaken by this act. Turning to his companion, he said gently, “Believe me when I tell you, I never simply pluck a leaf or a blade of grass or any living thing unless I have to.” He explained further, “Every part of the vegetable world is singing a song and breathing forth a secret of the divine mystery of the Creation.” For the first time, the young student understood what it means to show compassion to all creatures.
— Wisdom of the Jewish Mystics 

Elizabeth’s Chamama

Enjoy a fun and creative gardening workshop at Elizabeth’s Chamama – a therapeutic garden and creative arts center.

Experience an interactive program with Elizabeth Kay, a licensed art and garden therapist.

A great opportunity for both adults, kids, and families.

Does this involve the brown garbage bin?

Know Before You Go

Address: Derech HaHamamot 80, Shilat

Waze: החממות– שילת

Schedule your visit with Elizabeth: 052-818-7717

Ages: All ages.

Send my regards to Elizabeth!

Wendy’s Garden Center

Bring Tu B’shevat home!

Choose from over 1,200 varieties of indoor and outdoor plants, from over five continents, Find trees, shrubs, grasses, seasonal flowers and planting containers, fountains, cladding, fertilizers and pesticides, tools and more, to help bring out your green thumb.

I’ll take the peonies.

Know Before You Go

Address: Derech HaHamamot 80, Shilat

Waze: החממות– שילת

Ages: All ages.

Send my regards to Wendy!

Tu B’Shevat Seder – On Our Soil

ומנהג טוב להולכים בתמים להרבות בפירות בעצם היום הזה ולומר דבדי שירות ותשבחות עליהן כאשר הנהגתי לכל החברי׳ אשר עמדי.פרי עץ הדר, סדר ט״וּ בִּשְׁבָט

It is a good custom for the faithful to eat many fruits on this day and to celebrate them with words of praise, just as I have instructed my companions. The Pri Etz Hadar: Fruit of the Majestic Tree, the original seder for Tu B’Shevat 

Wishing everyone an energizing, meaningful, and special Tu B’shevat. Continue the traditions of the Kabbalists and celebrate with a Tu B’shevat Seder. Read pesukim from the Torah that mentions the Land of Israel, review the mitzvot relevant to the Land of Israel, eat from the seven species, recite the bracha of Shehecheyanu over new fruits, drink wine, and sing.

הִנֵּ֨ה יָמִ֤ים בָּאִים֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה וְנִגַּ֤שׁ חוֹרֵשׁ֙ בַּקֹּצֵ֔ר וְדֹרֵ֥ךְ עֲנָבִ֖ים בְּמֹשֵׁ֣ךְ הַזָּ֑רַע וְהִטִּ֤יפוּ הֶֽהָרִים֙ עָסִ֔יס וְכָל־הַגְּבָע֖וֹת תִּתְמוֹגַֽגְנָה׃ וְשַׁבְתִּי֮ אֶת־שְׁב֣וּת עַמִּ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וּבָנ֞וּ עָרִ֤ים נְשַׁמּוֹת֙ וְיָשָׁ֔בוּ וְנָטְע֣וּ כְרָמִ֔ים וְשָׁת֖וּ אֶת־יֵינָ֑ם וְעָשׂ֣וּ גַנּ֔וֹת וְאָכְל֖וּ אֶת־פְּרִיהֶֽם׃ וּנְטַעְתִּ֖ים עַל־אַדְמָתָ֑ם וְלֹ֨א יִנָּתְשׁ֜וּ ע֗וֹד מֵעַ֤ל אַדְמָתָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָתַ֣תִּי לָהֶ֔ם אָמַ֖ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ עמוס ט׳: יג–טו

A time is coming —declares the LORD— When the plowman shall meet the reaper And the treader of grapes Him who holds the [bag of] seed; When the mountains shall drip wine, And all the hills shall wave [with grain]. I will restore My people Israel. They shall rebuild ruined cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink their wine; They shall till gardens and eat their fruits. And I will plant them upon their soil, Nevermore to be uprooted From the soil I have given them —said the LORD your God.  -Amos 9: 13-16

High Energy Mom’s Packing List

Keep in mind, that this time of year, the temperature fluctuates. As you can probably tell by my pictures, some days are chilly, some are rainy and some are sunny. Highly advise you to pack clothes suitable for the weather. Also, many of the activities are outdoors, you will probably feel best dressed in casual and comfortable clothing.

Here is my list of things that I packed and things I should have packed 🙂

Is that it?

Nope, there’s more.

Oh, there’s much more.

Right, Margalit!

This guide centered around the Sharon region. There are many more gardens, more historical sites, countless cafes, and more great spas. The sheer amount of potential energizing tiyulim is unbelievable.

This Ultimate Guide To Tu B’shevat should have you, a High Energy Mom, covered for this year. If you have something to add or a question, happily leave a comment.

Don’t forget to check out my website www.yochevedfeinerman.com for discounts, deals and more!!!

If you have made it this far – it was quite a challenge, wasn’t it? Thanks for tagging along!

Have a High Energy Tu B’Shevat!

Thanks, Margalit Frydman of Margalit Tours for these high energy Tu B’Shevat travel ideas! Looking forward to Tu B’Shevat!

Click here to book your next travel experience with Margalit. Or call Margalit at  972-544844913

Any chance, you are free to guide us?

Coming Soon: Ultimate Purim Guide for High Energy Moms


Find more high energy awesome activities, meaningful tourist sites, inspiring shiurim, great food, tempting coffee, fabulous shopping, coupon codes, discounts, and of course deals. on my blog, www.yochevedfeinerman.com.
Are you a High Energy Expert? Have a scoop? Please Share! Hit me up, on Facebook or Instagram or shoot me an email highenergymom@gmail.com.
This blog may use affiliate marketing links and receive a commission based on sales made from them. This type of revenue helps to keep our website running without passing the cost onto our readers. As always, all opinions and product choices are our own. Thank you!

About the Author
Yocheved Pianko Feinerman is a filmmaker based in Reut, Israel. Yocheved is currently a full-time student at Ma’ale School of Film and Television and is set to graduate in late 2024. Pianko- Feinerman directed several short films, most notably, Hold the Ball in 2021, selected by several International Film Festivals, nominated for Best Female Director Short, and winner of Best Weird/ WTF Film in the June 2022 Cannes World Film Festival. As a kid, Yocheved enjoyed directing her four younger siblings and has been hooked ever since. Her dream is to engage audiences #herstories #ourstories. Yocheved is currently building her body of work as a writer and director with material curated (directly and indirectly) from her primary role as High Energy Mom to four spirited children, an active Labradoodle, and a wife to a very normal husband.
Related Topics
Related Posts