A message from Rabbi Sara Abrams
The Forest for the Trees
by Rena Priest
I have seen a tree split in two
from the weight of its opposing branches.
It can survive, though its heart is exposed.
I have seen a country do this too.
I have heard an elder say
that we must be like the willow—
bend not to break.
I have made peace this way.
My neighbors clear-cut their trees,
leaving mine defenseless. The arborist
says they’ll fall in the first strong wind.
Together we stand. I see this now.
I have seen a tree grown around
a bicycle, a street sign, and a chainsaw,
absorbing them like ingredients
in a great melting pot.
When we speak, whether or not
we agree, the trees will turn
the breath of our words
from carbon dioxide into air—
give us new breath
for new words,
new chances to listen,
new chances to be heard.
Tu Bishvat arrives on February 12th this year and is a celebration of the trees, their birthday, and the sustenance they provide. Like us, the tree goes through its cycle in life. The rich laden tree of summer comes to harvest and then in autumn when we celebrate Sukkot the tree loses its leaves. By this time, the fruit trees lay bare, not even a visual remnant remains of their bounteous glory. In fact, the trees appear lifeless.
Yet that is the exact time when we as Jews celebrate Tu Bishvat. In the midst of the cold winter days when life seems frozen or dead, the sap of the tree is flowing beneath its surface and new life is getting ready to burst forth in the spring. It needs this lifeless time to regenerate, just as we do. In life we alternate like a tree between times of renewal and growth, and times of dormancy. Dormancy allows us to regroup, quiet down, and allow new visions to come forth. After all, spring comes every year!
So this Tu Bishvat as we rejoice together in the fruits of many trees (come taste them at our Tu Bishvat Seder on Saturday, February 8) may we take heart in the cycles of the earth, the birth, death, renewal and change. They are all a part of us. I look forward to seeing you this upcoming week, celebrating Shabbat Shirah and Tu Bishvat with all of you!!
You can contact me at rabbisaraabrams@gmail.com.
B’virkat Shalom