Tu B'Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewishcalendar -celebrated this year on Shabbat, January 19-20, 2011- nightfall -- is the day that marks the beginning of a "New Year for Trees." This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

Purim starts on March 19 -20, 2011. Celebrated by the reading of the Scroll of Esther (the Megillat Esther). Under the rule of King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King's prime minister, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews from destruction. March 19-20, 2011.

Pesach, known as Passover in English, is a major Jewish spring festival, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The ritual observance of this holiday centers around a special home service called the seder (meaning "order") and a festive meal; the prohibition of chametz (leaven); and the eating of matzah (an unleavened bread). April 18-25, 2011.

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs on the 27th of Nissan (May 1-2, 2011). Shoah, which means catastrophe or utter destruction in Hebrew, refers to the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people during World War II. This is a memorial day for those who died in the Shoah.