As January draws to a close and we enter the middle of the month of Shevat, it is that time of year for the festival of Tu B’shvat. Although a lesser known holiday, it still carries deep meaning for our own community and the wider Jewish community. A time for planting trees; symbolic renewal; and enjoying the literal fruits of our labor. What stands out most about Tu B’shevat, however, is the fact that the holiday is not even mentioned in the Torah or the Tanakh. Ancient Israelites adopted it as a way to mark the proper maturity of the trees and when to pick the fruit. After being largely forgotten for centuries, it was revived in the 1600s by Jewish communities that wanted to symbolize the rebirth of their devotion to Judaism along with the preservation of the earth. The great lesson of this evolution is that we can adopt Jewish tradition to our needs even when those traditions are not specifically mentioned in the Torah. Tu’Bshvat in the modern day gives us a connection with the environmental movement and the necessity of preserving the beauty of nature and the health of the planet. When we need it most, Jewish tradition can provide the answers.
On a sadder note, as you may know, Sam Genirberg recently passed away. He was a valued member of our community and we will all miss him. We appreciate everyone who came to his service to honor his memory.
We also have plenty of other major holidays coming up in the next few months, including Purim and Passover. Our Purim carnival will take place on March 5 and our revitalized in-person Seder will be held on April 8. You can help make a difference by volunteering to help with the Purim Carnival and Passover Seder. Assisting with any of these events allows us to connect with the community and make the Temple Beth Hillel experience even better. In addition, please consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. You can reach out to us or any Board member when you are interested.
Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held this Friday, February 3, at 7:30 p.m. Family Shabbat will be held two weeks later on Friday, February 17, at 6:15 p.m., where we will celebrate Tu B’shevat by tasting delicious fruits along with the 7 species (the Religious School will have a similar celebration at the next school meeting on February 5). Please help spread the word to encourage families to join. There will also be Torah study on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., and will be on Zoom. And those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome starting at 9:30 a.m on Sundays. Thanks everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel
From the Presidents – February3, 2023
February 3, 2023 by tbhrich • president
Hello Everyone!
As January draws to a close and we enter the middle of the month of Shevat, it is that time of year for the festival of Tu B’shvat. Although a lesser known holiday, it still carries deep meaning for our own community and the wider Jewish community. A time for planting trees; symbolic renewal; and enjoying the literal fruits of our labor. What stands out most about Tu B’shevat, however, is the fact that the holiday is not even mentioned in the Torah or the Tanakh. Ancient Israelites adopted it as a way to mark the proper maturity of the trees and when to pick the fruit. After being largely forgotten for centuries, it was revived in the 1600s by Jewish communities that wanted to symbolize the rebirth of their devotion to Judaism along with the preservation of the earth. The great lesson of this evolution is that we can adopt Jewish tradition to our needs even when those traditions are not specifically mentioned in the Torah. Tu’Bshvat in the modern day gives us a connection with the environmental movement and the necessity of preserving the beauty of nature and the health of the planet. When we need it most, Jewish tradition can provide the answers.
On a sadder note, as you may know, Sam Genirberg recently passed away. He was a valued member of our community and we will all miss him. We appreciate everyone who came to his service to honor his memory.
We also have plenty of other major holidays coming up in the next few months, including Purim and Passover. Our Purim carnival will take place on March 5 and our revitalized in-person Seder will be held on April 8. You can help make a difference by volunteering to help with the Purim Carnival and Passover Seder. Assisting with any of these events allows us to connect with the community and make the Temple Beth Hillel experience even better. In addition, please consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. You can reach out to us or any Board member when you are interested.
Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held this Friday, February 3, at 7:30 p.m. Family Shabbat will be held two weeks later on Friday, February 17, at 6:15 p.m., where we will celebrate Tu B’shevat by tasting delicious fruits along with the 7 species (the Religious School will have a similar celebration at the next school meeting on February 5). Please help spread the word to encourage families to join. There will also be Torah study on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., and will be on Zoom. And those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome starting at 9:30 a.m on Sundays. Thanks everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel