Tu B’shavat, the annual Jewish celebration of nature, also known at the New Year for Trees, is celebrated throughout Israel and of course as well as at Meir Panim branches.

Starting seven weeks before, grocery stores start stocking and displaying beautiful platters of dried fruits and nuts, trees and nature are in full green bloom due to the rainy season, and despite the cold and rainy weather common this time of year, people look forward to spring and warmer, sunny days ahead.

At Meir Panim, we always try to infuse that hopeful and warm feeling into our branches, and we love a reason to celebrate and provide extra for our patrons.

This year, in addition to distributions of fruit platters, fresh and dried, so our patrons can enjoy like “everyone else”, in our Dimona location we partnered with Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael, Israel’s Jewish National Fund, to add to the joy of the season, with a mobile “Tu B’shvat Celebration Truck”. This truck full of fun, came to Meir Panim with music for dancing, happiness, and treats for all of the community, in need and not, to enjoy.

It is these extra experiences and touches that truly make Meir Panim more than just a “soup kitchen”, but a true community center where a whole person is considered and where we aim to help our patrons with dignity and respect to ease their burdens and get a break from the difficulties in their lives.