Join JVLive, Jewish Vegan Life’s talk series, for an inspiring live conversation celebrating Veganuary and preparing for a festive vegan Tu B’Shevat—the Jewish New Year for the Trees.

This special celebration will explore why Tu B’Shevat is arguably the most vegan of all Jewish holidays, weaving together ancient tradition, spiritual meaning, and modern environmental consciousness.

Speakers & Guests

Raquela Karamson – CEO of Jewish Vegan Life, guiding our community in weaving compassion into Jewish life and holidays.

Fran Costigan – culinary instructor, cookbook author, pastry chef, and the Director of Vegan Pastry at Rouxbe Culinary School, a conversation on JVLive about her culinary and entrepreneurial journey

Rabbi Akiva Gersh – our new Senior Rabbinic Educator, popularly known as “the vegan rabbi,” talking about the spiritual significance of Tu Bishvat, guiding us how to prepare for the holiday, and walking through our vegan Haggadah

Jasmine Azouz Levi – vegan culinary creator (@plantfoodqueen) who will be demonstrating one of her delicious recipes for Tu Bishvat

This episode will explore:
The Seven Species
Discover creative and meaningful ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat through the Seven Species of the Land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Using fresh and dried fruits, nuts, grains, and seasonal produce, we’ll bring this ancient tradition to life.

Tu B’Shevat’s Vegan Roots
Long before modern veganism, Jewish tradition emphasized a plant-based ideal. Tu B’Shevat reflects the values of the Garden of Eden, where humanity’s original diet was entirely plant-based—making this holiday a natural expression of vegan principles rooted in Jewish wisdom.

The Vegan Tu B’Shevat Haggadah
We’ll spotlight Jewish Vegan Life’s Vegan Tu B’Shevat Haggadah, designed to guide individuals, families, and communities through a meaningful, plant-centered celebration.

Three Holiday Concepts
Ancient Agricultural Origins – honoring the land, trees, and seasonal cycles
The Kabbalistic Tu B’Shevat Seder – spiritual elevation through fruits and intention
Contemporary Environmentalism – aligning Jewish values with sustainability and climate responsibility

Save Your Spot

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this uplifting, educational, and deliciously inspiring JVLive episode.

RSVP to receive your live link.

We can’t wait to celebrate Veganuary and prepare for Tu B’Shevat with you—rooted in tradition, guided by compassion, and growing toward a more sustainable future.