From the Rabbi
To say that Susan and I were less than delighted to see so much snow a few
weeks ago is an understatement. I should not have boosted to friends in Grand
Rapids that this was going to be the first winter in 24 years that I would not be
seeing snow. How wrong I was. Now I can say with pride that I was in Florida’s
Panhandle when the largest amount of snow ever fell. Why did I sell my
snowbrushes at our Estate Sale?
For decades, in the depths of winter, I have been teaching about the holiday of Tu
B’Shevat. Looking outside at the snow I have said countless times, “spring might
not be arriving for months, but we celebrate the very first inklings of the new
season with our brothers and sisters in Israel”. In Michigan, spring always seemed
so distant when this minor Jewish holiday arrived. Around a seder table we would
imagine the first blossoms of the almond tree, and sample fruits according to the
ancient Kabbalistic custom.
Here in Florida, most winter days feel like spring, but that does not mean we
should forget about the observance of Tu B’Shevat, the holiday that falls on the
15 th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. The Hebrew word Tu is a combination of
two Hebrew letters, a tet and a vav. Every Hebrew letter has a numeric
equivalent. A tet equals 9 and a vav equals 6, with the sum equaling 15.
The roots of Tu B’Shevat are ancient. It was on this day that tithing was
determined for fruit trees. It was known as the New Year for trees. Throughout
history in the diaspora, Jews might have tasted fruits that were indigenous to
Israel as way to connect themselves back to their homeland. Seders for the
holiday began in the 16 th century to give thanks for trees and the fruits of the
Promised Land. Tu B’Shevat seders are held in communities throughout the
world, and in ever growing in popularity, to reflect on the blessings of the fruits
we eat.
I am not sure when our congregation last had a Tu B’Shevat seder, but I will be
leading one in our building on Sunday morning, February 16 at 10:00. This will
include a sampling of fruits, drinking 4 cups (or for tastes) of different colored
grape juice, and bagels, lox, and coffee. I am hoping that there will be some
people that would like to join Susan and I as we observe Tu B’Shevat in this way. I
humbly ask those interested to RSVP so that I have the appropriate amount food
It is customary to plant trees in Israel on Tu B’Shevat. In the coming weeks at
services, and at the seder I will be asking for donations for JNF, the Jewish
National Fund, so that our congregation can take part in this annual endeavor.
And just a heartfelt invitation to join us for our Chili Shabbat on Saturday
morning, February 22. Once a month we move our Shabbat service from Friday
Night to Saturday morning and include lunch. I will be making chili and those who
join us are requested to bring chili or a side that would go well with chili. The
important thing is that we are together and that we all contribute something to
make our meal a success. RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4BABAB2DA7FA7-54174560-chili
All my best,
Rabbi
Comentarios