Happy New Year!
New Year for trees, that is.
Today, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, is the 15th day of the month of Shvat, Tu B’shvat, which commemorates the sap of new growth that has begun to flow in the innermost chambers of the dormant tree. Just when all vegetation seems frozen or dead, the tiniest hope of a new future begins to blossom.
On such a meaningful day, please join me in appreciating the divine gift of trees:
- Sitting here at my desk in New York, the memory of my last Californian grapefruit is as vivid as ever. Robust, heavy with juice, I picked it straight from the tree and savored each bite, while catching rivulets of juice running down my chin.
- Those who cringe at the thought of raking and bagging millions of leaves each fall are welcome to skip to the next paragraph. No doubt such people would NOT want to hear how delightful this endeavor was to me and my brother in our younger years (before owning our own lawns). Our favorite childhood memories include afternoons spent gathering an endless amount of leaves to form gigantic leaf mounds. They served as army forts in our pine cone battles and soft targets when we catapulted ourselves as human missiles.
- Ahhh…the wondrous gift of shade. No matter the heat, the nearest branch always offers even the slightest bit of refuge.
- And what about the metaphors? Each of us has a position on our family tree. Don’t be embarrassed to claim your own. Just keep in mind that any family tree produces some lemons, some nuts and a few bad apples
In truth, comparing ourselves to the mighty tree elevates our sense of purpose. King David begins the book of Tehillim (Psalms) by imploring us to emulate trees: V’haya k’etz al palgei mayim – You should be like a tree in the midst of a tumultuous waters. In what way? By strengthening and nurturing roots that run deep into the ground. A strong tree may sway from the wind, but it remains firm and survives.
In one short sentence, King David has given us a formula for life. Yes, there will be storms. You will bask in the sunlight one moment and be shattered on the rocks the next. Throughout it all, your preparation for the storm, the time spent in calm ‘weather’ nourishing your faith and esteem, will be all that matters. It’s what will save you in the end and show the world who you truly are.
Yet imagine what it’s like for a young tree, which never had proper nourishment for a firm foundation? Unfortunately, almost 100 disadvantaged girls comprise a forest of such ‘trees’ at our Home.
At last, through the support of people like you, their fragile ‘roots’ are being nourished and strengthened with desperately needed basic care and specialized mental health services. Finally, they have every opportunity to blossom into independent young women who can stand firmly on their own.
Today it is customary to eat a new fruit or one described in the Bible as abundant in the Land of Israel: Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.
As you celebrate the divine abundance we receive, remember the girls at the Home who are relying on us to pass some of this blessing along to them.
May the fruits of your thoughtfulness be a blessing and strength in all your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Rachel Weinstein
Director of Development
PS Believe it or not, Purim is just a few weeks away! Make it the most joyous ever with Lev LaLev’s beautifully handcrafted Purim cards. Celebrate your 
friendships and bring smiles to our girls at the Home. Order today, to make sure you receive your favorite cards!
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