<p>I have always been intrigued by traditions from various cultures and religions.  </p>

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<p>My friend, Felice, shared with me the story behind the Jewish holiday <strong><a href="http://www.jewishbyte.com/tubshvat.php" target="_blank">Tu B'shvat (New Year for Trees)</a></strong> not too long ago.  Felice is a former teacher as well, so her storytelling is exceptional.  :-) </p>

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<p>I wish I thought to record her for you, but for now, just close your eyes and imagine the sweetest and softest of voices speaking of planting trees as a symbol for the Jewish faith's optimism and hope for the future.  By planting a tree, you are making the earth a more beautiful place for future generations. </p>

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<p>Sound familiar?  Tu B'shvat was around loooooooong before Earth Day, peeps. </p>

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<p>Felice and I initially talked about Tu B'shvat in autumn.  She suggested that we celebrate the tree planting together for the blog some time in February!  Hurrah!  I made a note to remind her in January. </p>

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<p>Which I did last Thursday, January 20th.   We walked over to her Jewish calendar to check the dates. </p>

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<p>Felice:  I hope we didn't miss it.  Sometimes it falls in January.</p>

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<p>Me:  Uh-oh. </p>

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<p><strong>Felice:</strong>  (pointing to the calendar) Oh, here it is:  January 20th.  What is today?</p>

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<p><strong>Me:</strong>  January 20th.</p>

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<p><em>(Silence.  Thinking.  More silence.</em>)</p>

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<p><strong>Me:</strong>  We need tree seeds.  Do you think we have remaining Trees in a Box that we used to send to customers as a thank you for "going green" with our webinars? </p>

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<p><strong>Felice:</strong>  (holding up a grapefruit)  I don't know, but we have THIS!</p>

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<p>Felice then breaks into storytelling mode and spins a tale of her daughter planting a citrus seed which produced the most beautiful citrus tree that you have ever seen!</p>

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<p>You gotta love teachers for their heart and their improvisational abilities. </p>