Shevat

Shevat, also spelled Shvat, is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It follows Tevet and, in leap years, is followed by Adar I (with Adar II occurring later in the year). The month has 30 days and, in the common solar year, usually falls in January or February on the Gregorian calendar. The designation Shevat comes from the Hebrew word for eleven, reflecting its position in the counting of months.

Cultural and religious significance is most notable for Tu BiShvat, the fifteenth day of Shevat. Known as the New Year for Trees in the Land of Israel, Tu BiShvat marks agricultural and ecological themes and has become a day for tree planting and fruit consumption. In Jewish communities outside Israel, Tu BiShvat is often observed on the same date, though some traditions adjust celebrations to the local calendar. The holiday traditionally highlights fruits associated with the Land of Israel, such as olives, figs, pomegranates, dates, and almonds, and has acquired modern environmental and ecological connotations.

In the Hebrew calendar, months are lunar-based and organize around the agricultural and religious year. Shevat’s placement between Tevet and Adar places it toward the latter part of the winter season in the northern hemisphere. As with other months, its exact Gregorian correspondence shifts slightly from year to year due to the calendar’s leap-year adjustments.