Chaplain's Messages

Tu B'Shevat Message

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
— Kahlil Gebran

Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat, marked Wednesday evening. January 24-Thursday, January 25, 2024 is celebrated as The New Year for Trees. While humans are considered the crowning by the Creator of creation, nonetheless, the Torah proclaims “man is like a tree of the field (Devarim 20:19).” What quality bestows this superior ranking to our leafy friends? They preceded us in creation, and justify their existence as yielding every integral part solely to benefit G-d’s earth. Mankind rarely accepts that charge or marching orders. Furthermore, while it may appear dormant – even lifeless – during the winter months, it is only revivifying to blossom ever more. A powerful teacher for mortal man.