Day of the Kippah...

Crochet handmade Kippot, 100% pure cotton, natural, organic, colorfull...

A kippah (dome) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke.
Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G‑d when praying, studying Torah, saying a blessing or entering a synagogue.
This practice has its roots in biblical times, when the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.
Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity.
Although it is not explicitly required by law, the practice is noted in the Talmud, and through the ages, this became an accepted Jewish custom to the point that according to the majority of halachic authorities, it is mandatory. One should, therefore, not walk or even sit, bareheaded. Small children should also be taught to cover their heads.
Aside from the commonblack kippah, many wear kippot of various colors or designs. Some communities have developed kippah designs that are highly intricate works of art.
Here are some of my cotton crochet handmade Kippot ...hope you might find one you like.

For more on the Kippah, click here and here.

Cantucci, almond cookies for Tu B'Shevat

Cantucci... that’s how these almond cookies are calledin Tuscany.
These cookies can be found all over the country and around the world, being one of the most popular Italian sweets. (Bt the way, the word biscotti is the plural of biscotto, and it means cookies or biscuits.)  A few ingredients might vary from recipe to recipe. And the one that I will share with you is the one that I've been making for many years. I love these little crispy cookies! First of all, it takes only a few minutes to prepare the dough. Second, you can make big quantities as you can store them for several days! 

Let’s go to the recipe...

Trees cards for Tu b'Shevat

Tu b'Shevat shivat haminim paper box

Tu B'Shevat, also known as Tu B'Shevet or Tu Bishvat, is the day that trees come of age according to Jewish law. Jewish people mark this day by eating a symbolic meal of fruit and nuts or planting trees.
According to some readings of Jewish law, fruit that ripens in the first three years that a tree gives fruit is considered orlah. This means that it is not kosher and thus not acceptable for Jewish people to eat. Tu B'Shevat marks the "new year" or "birthday" of trees. Fruit that ripens in the third year on or after the 15th day of the month of Shevat is kosher. Traditionally, the fruit that ripened in the fourth year was taken to the temple as a tithe (form of taxation). This is now paid symbolically using coins.
Some Jewish people began to hold a symbolic sedar on Tu B'Shevat after 1600 CE. This consisted of different types of fruit and nuts, each of which had a specific spiritual meaning.
Symbols
Important symbols of Tu B'Shevat include different types of dried fruit arranged on a platter, flowering almond trees and the "seven species". These are:
Barley.
Dates.
Figs.
Grapes.
Olives.
Pomegranates.
Wheat.
The seven species are associated with the Land of Israel in the Torah so they have an important place in Jewish culture.

DIY SEVEN SPECIES PAPER BOX FOR DRIED FRUITS

Make a paper box with shivat haminim decorations to use it for dried fruits on Tu bShevat.
Download and print the template.

download the box template HERE

Terrarium in a jar for Tu bShevat

Terrariums are usually sealable glass containers that can be opened for maintenance and to access the plants inside. However, this is not essential; terrariums can also be open to the atmosphere rather than being sealed. Add a little green to your indoor space  for Tu bShevat with an eye-catching terrarium. Not only are they a great oxygen booster, terrariums are easy to create and can be made in a variety of sizes. You might be surprised at some of the wonderful containers you have lying around the house. You might want to consider making a terrarium out of old jars... 

 

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species. Extracts from Aloe vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces.

Growing an Aloe Vera (or most other Aloe species - there are more than 300 of them!) is not a difficult matter, if a few basic rules are followed:
Use a well-draining soil.  

Aloes don't like to be cold and they don't like wet feet.

If in doubt about watering, don't water. Don't forget - they shouldn't be cold and wet. Some aloes will withstand a freeze, but many will turn to mush. No one wants a mushy aloe!

Books about trees

Shivat haminim bookmarks

Play fruits from MR:PRINTABLES for Tu bShevat

If you love paper craft and making something yourself, try these printable templates to make some juicy fruit! They will also make colorful decoration in kids rooms or table for Tu bShevat.
Print and cut the templates, score the dotted lines with an empty ball point pen, then glue all the tabs. 

Free download at MR PRINTABLE.COM

Play Fruit Templates for
Strawberry, Lemon, Blueberry

Templates for Apple & Pear

Templates for Pineapple, Watermelon, Banana, Kiwi, Raspberry

Beshalach - Bird feeder