It’s time for nature

Spend Tu Bishvat in the Western Galilee.

By NERIA BARR
Tu Bishvat (photo credit: Courtesy )
Tu Bishvat
(photo credit: Courtesy )
Ozrot Hagalil (“Galilee treasures”) has plenty of ideas for Tu Bishvat-oriented tours in the coming weeks. Here are a few of the suggestions.The Idan Hapri (“the time of fruit”) visitors’ center is located at the end of Moshav Betzet, in the middle of the banana and avocado plantations. The shop is filled with naturally dried fruits of all kinds. The aromas and flavors are delightful, the variety is impressive, and the personnel is very helpful and courteous. For Tu Bishvat, there are special tours and workshops.January 17, 18, 24 and 25. Activity hours on Fridays 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Register through the Ozrot Hagalil website (www.ozrothagalil.org.il).The Open Museum at Tefen will host special Tu Bishvat activities: Alalim (“leaves”) at the Art Gallery, at the Print Work Shop, workshops for kids and a meeting with children’s book illustrator Ruth Zarfati, where each child will be able to create his or her own nature story.
There is a cafeteria offering children’s meals on the premises.
January 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NIS 35.
Shikuy Ga’aton (“Ga’aton nectar”) manufactures ales from exotic fruit grown in the neighboring plantations, such as spirits made from kiwi, lychee, pomegranate, dates and almonds. There are also honey and apple liqueur, honey and citrus liqueur and many other options. For visitors, there are explanations and tastings. For the holiday, special tours will focus on interesting trees.Each tour will end with a full Tu Bishvat Seder at the winery.
January 15, 16 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meeting point at the gas station near Regba.Registration required at 054- 560-0105. NIS 120 per car + NIS 60 per adult for the Seder.Aya-Natural is a manufacturing company dedicated to developing biodegradable natural soaps and natural body care products without petrochemical ingredients, using vegetable oils. Galilee olive oil is the carrier oil. The visitors’ center in the Druse village of Beit Jann offers talks, workshops and a shop, as well as a lovely herb garden. During the holiday, they will hold natural soap and cream making workshop.Register through the Ozrot Hagalil website.The Rivka Sheffer Mosaics studio is located in Tal El. The artist, who has been living there for 30 years, says she has a special connection to nature. She offers mosaic workshops where, for the holiday, children and adults are invited to make their own mosaic planter. Every child will also receive a small plant. Registration is required.
For more details and registration, as well as more ideas, places to eat, accommodation, tours, museums and other attractions, go to www.ozrothagalil.org.il.