While Election Day has been getting all the publicity, another, more traditional event takes place this week as well – Tu Bishvat, the Mishnaic New Year for Trees which has become Israel's Arbor Day.

It has become customary to plant trees around the country on Tu Bishvat. This year, the holiday comes out on Shabbat, which means that organized plantings by schools, community groups, and local authorities will take place on Thursday and Friday.