Years ago in the ancient city of Safed, a group of Kabbalists uncovered the mystical secrets of Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish holiday commemorating trees which begins, this year, on Wednesday night, January 15.
This group revealed these mystical secrets in a ritual ceremony patterned after the Passover Seder and observed on the night of Tu B'shevat, the 15th of the month of Shevat, which coincides with the full moon.
The Seder features four cups of wine, a ritual text, various fruits, cakes and other delicacies. In place of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, the Tu B'Shevat Seder uncovers the inner dimensions of reality as revealed in nature. In place of matzah and chicken soup with matzah balls, there are a dozen kinds of fruit. In place of Seder plates, there are plates piled high with fruits.
What you will need for your Seder: Red wine, white wine, beer, cake, olives, dates, grapes, figs, pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, carob, apples, pears, and if you can, candied etrog rind. In addition, bring other fruits with inedible shells or peels, fruits with edible skins, but have seeds, fruits that are totally eaten, and fragrant fruits. Use as many different kinds of fruit as you can find, especially exotic fruit that you rarely eat.
How to make it happen: Gather a group of friends and ask each to bring something for the feast. Set the table with a fine tablecloth, candles, flowers, etc. Have a good time -- there is really no "wrong" way to do the Seder. You can use my Seder guide as a roadmap and feel free to improvise, make additions, sing and dance!