Page 33 - Jewish News_February 2020

COMMENTARY February 2020 33A

“the common values we share and the A holiday for trees (and us)
them, Menuhin said her goal is to show

similarities between us.” keep track of the correct dates so that joy and renewal of spring. We can each Nachman of Breslov would encourage
Uzi Rabi, director of the Moshe we could follow these mitzvot. The make time to look for blossoming buds us: Make it our custom to go outdoors
Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and date also comes around when the ma- and greenery becoming even more among the trees and grass, among all
African Studies at Tel Aviv Universi- From jority of rainfall has occurred each year green. growing things. Do this not only at this
ty, said the region was in a “transitory the in the land of Israel. It marks the time At this season, we can stop to holiday, but from the start of the year to
phase,” including “a growing portion when fruit trees, which have been dor- thank the Holy One that provides all its end, so that our lives, like the trees,
of young Arabs who are no longer Bimah mant during the winter months, begin the living things that give us clean air, will be renewed and filled with good-
afraid to talk to Israelis.... Today, most to blossom. Maimonides calls it the be- shelter and resources to live. As Rabbi ness, blessings and peace. Amen.
people know that Israel is not the prob- ginning of the agricultural fiscal year.
lem.” Tu B’Shevat is festive. It is often Opinions printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee
The Foreign Ministry’s Arabic- Rabbi Michael Shefrin marked by planting a new tree and do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation
language Facebook pages, Twitter Associate Rabbi, eating fruits and nuts found in Israel. of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff.
and Instagram accounts, and YouTube Temple Emanu-El There is a special holiday seder, simi-
channel collectively draw 10 million ere in Sarasota-Manatee, we lar to Passover. One of my favorite cus-
viewers and followers each week. don’t experience the grandeur toms is on that day to eat something not
(Ruth Eglash, Washington Post) Hof the seasons changing like in yet eaten that year, allowing us to recite
ISRAEL’S LEVIATHAN some other places. The changing color our prayer of gratitude, Shehekihyanu.
of leaves and the delicate snowfall have
Tu B’Shevat is more than Jewish
OFFSHORE NATURAL been exchanged for the glorious and Arbor Day. It calls out to us for an in-
GAS FIELD BEGINS perfect weather of our own “season.” creased mindfulness of our relationship
PRODUCTION The Jewish calendar helps us keep with nature. It is a time to appreciate
Gas began flowing from the Leviathan this in perspective. The holiday of Tu our dependence on the natural world
offshore natural gas field on Tuesday, B’Shevat, which happens every year and for us to acknowledge where we
December 30, the largest energy proj-on the 15 day of the Hebrew month find God in the rhythm of the seasons.
th
ect in Israel’s history. of Shevat, may be the best example of It is a day to recommit to the Jewish
Yossi Abu, CEO of Delek Drill-this. A special and important day, Tu principle of Bal Tashchit, the biblical
ing LP, said, “For the first time since B’Shevat is also called Rosh Hashana prohibition against waste and destruc-
its establishment, Israel is now an en-L’Ilanot, the new year for the trees. tion, and take actions toward caring for
ergy powerhouse, able to supply all its Where does this holiday come our environment.
energy needs and gaining energy inde-from? It is rooted in our Torah. This year, Tu B’Shevat falls on the
pendence. At the same time, we will be The book of Leviticus contains evening of Sunday, February 9 and the
exporting natural gas to Israel’s neigh-laws regarding how old a tree should day of Monday, February 10. While we
bors [Egypt and Jordan], thus strength-be before it is harvested and tithed, and may not have winter snow, we do have
ening Israel’s position in the region.” how long from the time it is planted the chance to observe this holiday. We Everything you need for Valentine’s Day.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea until its fruit can be eaten. The Talmud can reconnect with roots and leaves, Elegant food, fine wine, fresh flowers,
125 km. (77 miles) west of Haifa, the established Tu B’Shevat to help us fruits and nuts, and the forthcoming divine desserts and specialty gift baskets.
Leviathan field holds some 22 trillion
cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. Catered by us. For you and your sweetheart.
140 kosher
The gas supply will enable Israel to 280 kosher
phase out expensive and polluting im-
characters:
ported coal for generating electricity.
(Shoshanna Solomon, Times of Israel) characters:

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