On Feb. 8, Jews celebrated Tu B'Shvat, a holiday dedicated to the beginning of spring. The holiday has been compared to Arbor Day, and in Israel, it is customary to plant trees on this day.

American Jews are limited in their celebration because of the colder climate. "Well, since it's still winter here, there really isn't much I can do to celebrate Tu B'Shvat. I don't feel close to the holiday," said Ethan Smilg, 9.

One thing American Jews can do is celebrate the fruits that trees provide. The Tu B'Shvat meal features three kinds of fruit: fruits that have peels, fruits that have pits, and fruits that we eat in their entirety.

There is a specific blessing for each fruit. Even this custom, however, is not common in the United States. Many Jews feel the holiday is minor and lacks religious significance.

"It doesn't seem as important as other holidays such as Passover or Yom Kippur. Kind of like the American earth day, it's not as celebrated as, say, the Fourth of July," said Jenny Rissover, 12.

"It really isn't similar to other holidays because it celebrates the beginning of a season rather than having religious significance," said Smilg.