Tu Bishvat was celebrated by the children of the community, as it usually is. However, following Rabbi Roderick Young’s ‘From the Bimah’ last time and Hannah Grainger’s description of the children’s Tu Bishvat seder, I think we should have one for the whole community next year. Thank you Hannah for this contribution.
After the bright lights of Hanukah, January can feel a bit grey and drab. However in spite of the grey skies outside, inside the Shul our Cheder children have been planning ahead to springtime and learning about Tu’Bishvat, Jewish New Year for trees.
Planting and growing trees can be a lengthy process; we wanted the children to see the results of their labours a little quicker so we started our celebrations by planting pots of parsley seeds. With a little care and attention our “mini trees” will be ready in time for Pesach. Next the children turned their attention to the Shul garden. The children worked enthusiastically despite the damp weather to plant their bulbs hopefully ready in time to flower for the summer garden party in July.
In addition to our busy gardening and growing activities the children also found time to celebrate Tu’Bishvat together with a special Seder. During our Seder the children tasted a variety of the many delicious fruits trees provide us with. It was also the perfect opportunity for the children to practise using the brachas for wine and fruit which they have learnt in earlier Cheder sessions. The children did an excellent job performing the Tu’Bishvat Seder and mitzvah in the garden, whilst developing friendships along the way.
Many thanks to Marsha Parker and Bracha Hart who plan the activities and resources for Cheder, and the parents who help out at the sessions.