Every year Jews celebrate the holiday of Purim, which remembers how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of their enemies. Since Esther is the heroine of the story, most folks understandably talk about her during their Purim festivities. But what about Esther's predecessor, Queen Vashti?

According to the biblical Book of Esther, Vashti was a beautiful woman who defied her husband, King Ahasuerus, by refusing to appear nude before his party guests. The King was in the midst of hosting a party so extravagant it lasted half a year and was concluded by a week long drinking festival. He and his guests became so drunk that they all decided it would be a great to see the queen in her birthday suit. She refused and lost her crown as a result.

Learn more about Queen Vashti's and about modern interpretations of her story in: Who Was Vashti?

Tu B'Shvat begins at sundown today (February 7th) and if you're looking for fun ways to celebrate the "New Year of the Trees" here are a few ideas. From delicious recipes to an easy craft project for kids, there's a bit of something for everyone.

• Do a Tu B'Shvat craft project for kids. Plant parsley seeds as part of your Tu B'Shvat celebration then use the resulting plant for your Passover seder in April.
• Make Tu B'Shvat recipes using figs or pomegranates
• Print Tu B'Shvat coloring pages and riddles
• Weather permitting, go for a hike in the woods or visit a community park to spend time among the trees.
• Host a Kabbalistic Tu B'Shvat seder.

Chag Sameach! (Happy holiday!)

Here's a quick look at all the new articles that were published here on About Judaism in January 2012. Hope the new year is off to a great start for you!

1. Choosing a Hebrew Name for Your Baby
2. Jewish Bedtime Rituals for Children
3. The Kaddish Prayer: A Guide to the Different Forms of the Kaddish
4. The Mourner's Kaddish

Image credit: Getty Images/PNC

As one of the Seven Species pomegranates are traditional Tu B'Shvat fare. But what can you do with them aside from eating the delicious seeds? Here are a few yummy ideas.

• Mango Pomegranate Guacamole
• Ruby Yacht (pomegranate & champagne cocktail)
• Pomegranate Pilaf
• Pomegranate Syrup (which you can drizzle over stuffed dates or use to make tequila sunrises)
• Battered Chicken Wings with Pomegranate and Mango Barbecue Sauce
• Orange Blossom Cheesecake with Raspberry and Pomegranate Sauce

Also, in case you're wondering how to easily remove pomegranate seeds, here's the trick:

Cut your pomegranate in half, then hold it cut-side down in the palm of your hand over a large bowl. With your other hand use the back of a large spoon to smack the pomegranate firmly. It may take a couple whacks, but the seeds will fall out and into your bowl.

Image credit: Ruby Yacht Cocktail via Two Tarts