Fast to remember the beginning of the siege on Jerusalem. The death of Ezra the Scribe and the ordering of the first translation of the Bible (into Greek) also occurred on this day.
February 8, 2012 ( Begins on the 7th at sundown)
Tu B'Shvat
Arboreal New Year. Plant a tree. Eat the "7 species" - fruits originating in Israel (figs, dates, carob, almonds etc.).
March 8-9, 2012 (begins on the 7th at sundown).
Purim
Festival of Masquerades: more meaningful than Halloween, more fun than Mardi Gras. Wear a costume. Read or act out the Megillah (Book of Esther). Spin the grogger. Eat Hamentashen. Give food baskets and charity.
