Israel, January 21, 2026 – While the modern world rediscovers the values of sustainability, Jewish tradition has celebrated Tu B’Shevat – the New Year for Trees – for millennia. The festival marks the beginning of spring in Israel. The story of the date palm “Methuselah” lends a moving significance to this tradition. It proves that even after two thousand years, life merely awaits the right moment to blossom from the earth once more.

Tu B’Shevat, literally “the 15th day of the month of Shevat,” falls on February 1/2, 2026, this year. Traditionally, this day marks the end of the rainy season in Israel and the beginning of a new growth cycle. On Tu B’Shevat, new trees are traditionally planted, and the so-called Seven Species are consumed – those seven fruits and grains with which the Land of Israel is blessed according to the Bible: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. The festival serves as a reminder that nature is a precious asset that must be protected and nurtured.

From Masada to Life: A 2,000-Year-Old Miracle

The date palm is one of the Seven Species. For centuries, the Judean Date Palm, famous for its medicinal properties and exquisite taste, was considered extinct. The story of Methuselah is the story of its miraculous return.

In the 1960s, archaeologist Prof. Yigael Yadin discovered ancient date seeds in King Herod's storerooms during excavations at the Masada fortress. These seeds survived the siege and the Great Revolt against the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. In 2005, Dr. Elaine Solowey of the Arava Institute and Dr. Sarah Sallon of Hadassah Hospital planted one of the ancient seeds – and in March of the same year, the miracle happened: a seed from the Second Temple period germinated. It was named “Methuselah,” after the biblical figure with the longest life in history.

Methuselah is a male tree. Later, Dr. Solowey succeeded in germinating other ancient seeds, including the female palm “Hannah” as well as the male trees “Uriel,” “Adam,” “Jonah,” “Boaz,” and “Judah.” The researchers pollinated Hannah with the male trees. With success: the trees now bear fleshy, sweet fruits. And so, after two thousand years, the taste of the ancient Judean date is back.

A Message of Hope

The story of Methuselah is the ultimate embodiment of the spirit of Tu B’Shevat: the belief that even from a dry seed that waited two millennia in the desert, life can blossom. In an era of global environmental challenges, Methuselah reminds us that nature possesses incredible resilience and that every planting is a bridge of hope between a glorious past and a green future.

Biblical Superfoods: The Seven Species at a Glance:

1. The Date – Natural Energy Booster: Dates are among the richest sources of potassium and provide instant energy, while their high fiber content ensures a balanced insulin response.
2. The Pomegranate – The Cell Defender: Pomegranate juice contains three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine and is considered a premium anti-aging fruit.
3. Olive Oil – The Secret to Longevity: Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and polyphenols. The Mediterranean diet, based on olive oil, is a key factor for longevity and disease prevention.
4. The Fig – Calcium from Fruit: Dried figs are an incredible source of calcium and iron. In ancient times, they were the ultimate “survival food” for long journeys.
5. Grapes – Heart Protection: Grape skins contain resveratrol, a miraculous substance that protects blood vessels and safeguards skin and brain health.
6. Barley – The Metabolic Guardian: Barley is rich in beta-glucan fibers, which are proven to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
7. Wheat (Ancient Spelt) – The Protein Source: Biblical wheat varieties were significantly richer in protein and vitamins than today's processed white wheat.

More about the Judean Date: judeandates.com

_________

About the Israel Government Tourist Office in Germany:

Whether it's tours, city breaks, bathing, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours, or family holidays: the Israel Government Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities, and sights in the Holy Land. Israel is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is no more than a four-hour flight from most parts of Europe. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, as well as a captivating contrast between ancient and modern. In Israel, visitors are welcomed with traditional hospitality that dates back to biblical times. goisrael.com

Further Press Information

Suitable image material for this press release can be downloaded here: OneDrive. Please note the copyright in the filename.

General image material for Israel is available at www.flickr.com/photos/israelphotogallery/albums/ (please always state the copyright as indicated on the website for each image). 

Press Office:
BZ.COMM GmbH
Hanauer Landstr. 136 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/2562888-0
Mail: israel@bz-comm.de   | Web: www.bz-comm.de  
All current press releases are also available at www.bz-comm.de/de/kunden/israel/