On the evening of Jan 24, if the sky is clear, look up to see the full moon of the month of Shevat. That is the sign that Tu B’shevat is here, the 15th day of the month. This is a special time to acknowledge the beginning of the rising of the sap in the almond trees of the Middle East, and also in the maple trees of our own Northeast. Even though it is still winter, ( and quite a winter it has been so far), the very earliest signs of spring are coming.
So how can we acknowledge this time of change? Here are a few opportunities in our community
- Toward a Holy Ecology-a new reading of Song of Songs in the Age of Climate Crisis   Sunday, Jan 21, 10:30 AM   Germantown Jewish Centre – A fruit and musical event to launch Ellen Bernstein’s new book featuring musicians Max Nemhauser, Kenny Ulansey, and friends. Free, but please RSVP to Rachel Falkove – RachelFalkove@outlook.com
- The Gifts of Trees, an afternoon Tree Walk and Mandala Creation sponsored by P’nai Or– Tuesday Jan. 23, 2024 2:30-4:00  Meet at the Wayne Ave, entrance to Mt. Airy Carpenter Woods.  Bundle up for a walk with sisters Maya and Claudia Apfelbaum who will share their love of trees and environmental rituals. They will guide us and help us create a meditative, circle design from elements of the woods. Bring a mug to enjoy a cup of hot fruit tree soup in the woods. Maya Apfelbaum has taught eco-arts workshops and environmental ed. and led community art and rituals events for over thirty years. She is involved in elephant, land and tree conservation.
- Tu B’Shevat Gathering and Tree Tour  Sunday Jan 28 1:00-2:00 (fee) Laurel Hill Arboretum (part of the Laurel Hill West Cemetery) To get tickets $10-$20 Laurelhill Tu B’Shevat Event Join the Arboretum director in conjunction with the Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History for a short tour of the trees and plant life with stories about the origins and meaning of the holiday. Afterwards, go indoors to enjoy Camuna Cellars Wine and fruits of the holiday.
And if you can’t go to any formal gathering, try to find a way to look out or be outside to reflect on the subtle changes that you notice.
