Dear Fellow Congregants,
Welcome to February!
This year, my favorite Jewish holiday, Tu B’Shevat, is February 8. The Hebrew words
literally mean the 15th of Shevat, a Hebrew month. In Israel, spring is starting to arrive, the trees are starting to blossom, and there’s a day off for school children to plant trees.
As many of you know, I grew up in a Reform temple in Westbury. Then, all I learned
about Tu B’Shevat was it was considered to be the birthday of the trees. It was also the time that we were encouraged to support the JNF, Jewish National Fund, and plant a tree in Israel.
Fast-forward a good number of years to my teaching Hebrew school in Massapequa. Many of you know, and have met, the female rabbi who sparked my Jewish woman’s identity. It was she who introduced me to the wonderful holiday of Tu B’Shevat and a
Tu B’Shevat Seder.
Who would have though that trees and fruits could have such individual meanings?
If you have never experienced a Tu B’Shevat Seder, then you are in for a special treat. Join us on Friday, February 10, 2012.
Rabbi Losben will lead us in a short Shabbat service followed by the Seder. Come and see why I love the holiday!
By the way, you can still plant a tree in Israel through the JNF. ust go to their website, JNF.ORG, and follow the directions.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on February 10th!
B’Shalom!
