DEEP ROOTS
Whenever I give a tour of our Temple to guests, there are two things I that I especially enjoy highlighting. The first is our amazing “Tree of Life” in the lobby. I love telling people how there are plaques on the Tree which survived the fire and in many ways, this tree can be seen as a symbol of how not only Sinai Reform Temple rose from the ashes, but that we as Jewish people have been able to rise up, as well.
It is even more powerful for me to then look at all the wonderful simchas that have been celebrated and are marked with a “leaf” on the Tree. Therefore, when I look at our Tree of Life, I know that we have not only “risen up” but that we continue to thrive and flourish.
For me it is an amazing juxtaposition to then compare this with one of my other favorite aspects of SRT which are the absolutely beautiful living trees we have growing in our sanctuary. I love to point out to people how the trees surround our Ark which holds our Torah- our “Tree of Life” and how the living trees are beautifully growing together. I’m always quick to point out that I’ve seen many sanctuaries, but ours is the only one I’ve ever seen where we have two living trees growing around the ark. To me this is a true testament to us as members of Sinai Reform Temple and the Jewish people that we reach upwards in our holy pursuits, can come together with others and know the importance of surrounding and even protecting the Torah.
The tree is truly an amazing metaphor for the Jewish people and at this time of year, the season of “Tu B’shevat-The Birthday of the Trees” it is even more powerful. This is a great time for us pause to reflect and appreciate all the many gifts we receive from trees and from the earth in general. As we celebrate our trees and nature in
general, let us remember to be like a tree - to always have deep roots and appreciate our Jewish heritage, and at the same time to always be willing to grow and to know that like a tree we have the power to give.
Please join us on Friday, February 10th at 7:30 for our annual Tu B’shevat Seder. This will be a wonderful evening of celebrating the trees and giving thanks for all the gifts we receive from nature.
Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov
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