“This is because a tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it.”
― Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate
We are celebrating Tu B’Shevat -we did so last night with our Delving into Judaism class and we will do so as part of Shabbat B’Yachad. New year for trees falls on 15 Shevat, hence the name. Once it was once of the four New Years that mark date Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah in Tishri, Passover in the first month of Nissan, New Year for Kings (fallen out of use) and for Trees which , thanks to the music’s of Tzvat has continued to be an opportunity to celebrate trees, nature and all things related.
Connections back along the thread of Jewish tradition is important, expanding it to include more of what matters to us now is equally so. As we work to be more environmentally conscious, to see our Judiasm as demanding that of us, so we welcome this festival this year. Baal Tashchit warned Deuteronomy, Do not destroy… trees and and all around them. And will use it as an opportunity to learn more.
It feels fitting that we thank Zoe this Shabbat for the tremendous contribution she has made to our synagogue. For all the seeds she planted and brought to fruition, and to the young people and grown ups, actually, she has nurtured along the way.
Do join us.
Shabbat Shalom
Rebecca
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