Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Interestingly, the new lockdown regulations and the month of Shvat began together on Thursday. While the stay at home regulations and the limited permissions for going outside will be challenging, the new month of Shvat reminds us to be positive and optimistic.

All Jews celebrate the new year of trees in Israel on the fifteenth of Shvat, known as Tu Bishvat, which is the view of the school of Hillel. However,  the first of Shvat was considered the new year of trees  in Israel according to the view of the school of Shammai. Either way, this new month would have us look forward to the transition from Winter to Spring. 

In the sixteenth century, the Kabbalists of Tzfat introduced the Tu Bishvat Seder. Many Jews observe it today in modified forms. In this particular Seder, like Pesach, four cups of wine or grape juice are consumed. In the Tu-Bishvat Seder, the four cups start with a white color and gradually end with a red color, symbolizing the change in seasons. In addition, four kinds of fruits are consumed - one with an outer shell, one with an outer skin and an inner pit, one with an inner pit, and one without any need for an external or protective covering. In the sequence of the four categories of food, we transition from needing internal and external supports. We also try to move away from external and internal obstacles in our lives. We yearn for a life which has no need for supports and no existence of obstacles.

The food and beverage symbols of Tu Bishvat come at an opportune time, as we near a full year of having learned the reality of the corona virus. Let us celebrate the new year of trees and keep its uplifting messages with us now and always.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison