As Tu B’Shevat begins this evening at sundown, the image of trees seems an appropriate metaphor for our own lives. I find the words from the Mishnah inspiring: From Pirkei Avot: "One whose wisdom exceeds their deeds, to what may they be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, so that when the wind comes, it uproots it and overturns it, as it is said, 'They shall be like a bush in the desert, which does not sense the coming of good. It is set in the scorched places of the wilderness, in a barren land without inhabitant' (Jeremiah 17:6). But one whose deeds exceed their wisdom, to what may they be compared? To a tree whose branches are few but roots are many, so that even if all the winds in the world come and blow upon it, they cannot move it out [...]

This week, in honor of the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, we give our Sabbath the special name of Shabbat Shira: Sabbath of Song. The name recognizes the song that Moses and Miriam sing as they cross the dry land of what is sometimes called the Red Sea. It is a song of joy, triumph, and faith. We all know many of the words that are in the song: most notably “Mi chamocha ba-elim Adonai (who is like You, Adonai?)" — a reference to God’s wondrous deeds including the parting of the sea. We are reminded of the midrash of Nachshon Ben Aminadav and his story of courage. Nachshon is standing at the Sea alongside the Children of Israel, who are frightened and don’t know how to possibly proceed. Moses lifts his arms and staff — but the Sea is not parting. Pharaoh is in pursuit and danger lurks. One [...]

This week in the Jewish calendar and in the cycle of Torah readings we are gifted with much to think about and much to be grateful for. We read from the Book of Exodus (from Parasha Beshalach, "When He Sent.") The Israelites are leaving Egypt—Pharaoh and his chariots chase after them—and they arrive at the Sea of Reeds to face the greatest challenge to the Jewish People in our narrative. As a People, do we move forward or do we wallow in our fear and lack of faith? This week we celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the “New Year of Trees.” A day to celebrate nature, the renewal of the plant world, the beauty of Mother Nature, and all that trees represent. To Jews, trees are a metaphor for many things: life, the Torah, people/community, and life’s many potential paths. Both the Torah reading and this holiday offer us a [...]