“Rabban Yochanan ben Zacai said: If you are standing with a sapling in your hand when the Messiah arrives, plant the tree first, and then greet Him” (Avot DeRabbi Nathan /B version/ 31,2) We have chosen this Talmudic quotation as the motto of our Tu Bishvati (in English, the holiday is called New Year of Trees) exhibition. Among the customs associated with the holiday are planting trees and eating fruits and seeds, especially figs, pomegranates, dates, almonds, grapes, olives and the fruit of the baobab tree.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the tradition of Tu Biswa was revived in connection with the establishment of the new State of Israel: the settlers made it a priority to revitalise the deserted, barren land and to plant forests. In many parts of the world, but especially in Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom, conservationists have made this day a day of environmental awareness. Our Foundation considers it an important task to present Jewish culture and tradition in a contemporary context, and has therefore invited artists to reflect on this day.
Participants: Böröcz András, Fischer Judit, Július Gyula, Koller Margit, Kósa Gergely, Láng Orsolya, Neogrády-Kiss Barnabás, Orosz Fanni, Rácmolnár Sándor, Roskó Gábor, Szemző Zsófia, Tillmann Hanna, Wechter Ákos