Torah Portion & More

Post date: Feb 9, 2017 1:00:14 AM

Shalom Beit Chaverim Members,

A number of things going on in the next few weeks.

This Friday night ushers in the minor Jewish holiday of Tu B'shvat (more below) It is almost spring like weather these past few days, but last year at this time, it was hard to think about trees blooming in Israel as we dug out of a huge snowstorm.

This week's Torah Portion, B'shallach, will have us singing a different version of Mi Chamocha at our Service Friday, the 24th at the Salens' home.

Pharoah regrets losing his slaves. Pursuing the children of Israel, he traps them at the Sea of Reeds. God splits the waters, allowing Israel to cross safely. The Egyptians follow--only to be engulfed, at God's hand, in the swirl of returning water. Moses and Miriam lead the people in joyous song, extolling God. Yet the Israelites soon complain of thirst and hunger. God responds providing water and manna. When Amalek attacks, God helps Israel prevail.

(Siddur Sim Shalom)

Tu Bishvat ט"ו בשבט is on Shvat 15 and celebrates the New Year for Trees. (Hebrew: ראש השנה לאילנות) It falls on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Tu Bishvat is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat. ט"ו are the Hebrew numerals of 15. Tu Bishvat is the Jewish Arbor Day holiday and is celebrated in the kibbutzim in Israel as an agricultural holiday. Since ancient times on Tu Bishvat, trees were planted for children born during the previous year: cedar trees for boys (so the child would grow to be tall and upright), and cypress trees for girls (so the girl will grow to be graceful and fragrant). When the children grew, they used branches from their cypress and cedar trees to make the canopy (Hebrew: huppah) of their wedding ceremony.

Many trees are planted by the schools and the JNF (Jewish National Fund). Since it was established in 1901, the JNF has planted more than 240 million trees all over Israel, covering more than 250,000 acres. Tu Bishvat seder is celebrated by eating dried fruits and nuts such as figs, dates, raisins, carob, and almonds. Almond trees are blooming all around Israel during this season. Many Israeli institutions chose this day for their inauguration. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Tu Bishvat 1918, the Technion in Haifa on Tu Bishvat 1925, and the Knesset on Tu Bishvat 1949. (HebrewPodcasts)

Shabbat Shalom,

Reb Betsy

Free Hebrew lessons available online.

Here is the link:

http://www.behrmanhouse.com/cl ick-and-read-free

I would suggest buying the hard copy of the book called Shalom Uv' rachah. You might have to create an account to order the book.

This is FREE and easy! And I am available for questions you may have when you get stuck!! If you want to discuss other options, let me know.

Betsy Roth

Spiritual Leader

Congregation Beit Chaverim

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

(410) 586-0090

Owner

www.AlephBetTutor.com

If you're not going to be better tomorrow than you were today,

then what need have you for tomorrow?

Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav