Throughout campus last week, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut students celebrated Tu B’Shevat, the holiday celebration of “the birthday of the trees,” giving thanks for the beauty of nature and the blessings of the Seven Species of Israel.

BCHA students came together for a meaningful Tu B’Shevat seder, sang joyful songs, and enjoyed delicious food—a wonderful way to appreciate the gifts of the earth.

Upper school students took the Tu B’Shevat message to heart by painting their own plant pots—each one unique, just like the trees they planted and will nurture over the course of the coming months. Soon, these pots will hold new life as students grow their own plants, reminding us all of the importance of caring for the world around us.

A wonderful holiday partnership was formed when first and fifth graders teamed up for a super fun and creative project—Grass Heads! With lots of laughter, messy hands, and a little bit of teamwork, they filled stockings with soil, sprinkled in grass seeds and designed silly, smiley faces.

Finally, on the holiday itself, students gathered together for an assembly of Shir V’Ruach, a beautiful celebration of school unity, learning, growth and song.

At the Shir V’Ruach assembly, two of BCHA’s middle school students led a teaching about Tu B’Shevat for their younger classmates. Speaking about the holiday and its lessons for life, they taught: “Although it can take years of waiting and lots of work planting, watering and making sure it grows right, once the fruit of a tree finally grows, you can enjoy them for years to come. A fruit tree is a treasure that can last a lifetime! This reminds us that the things that really last in life take lots of hard work and patience.”

A heartfelt thank you to BCHA’s incredible teachers who poured their time, talents and energy into making this celebration so special! Their dedication makes all the difference.