CELEBRATION THE JEWISH YEAR...TU B'SHEVAT
Wednesday, February 8
Tu B'Shevat, sometimes called Jewish Arbor Day, is a minor holiday, but one that is filled with festivity and meaning. The name of the holiday comes from the day on which it occurs on the Hebrew calendar, the 15th of Shevat. The Hebrew letters that spell the number fifteen can be pronouced as "Tu".
Just as Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, Tu B'Shevat is like a birthday for trees. In texts dating from the first centuries of the Common Era, we learn that Tu B'Shevat was the day that separated one agricultural year from the next. Today we celebrate Tu B'Shevat and are thankful for the gifts of creation, especially foods that grow on trees and the beauties of nature we enjoy. The holiday also reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth in order to preserve it for future generations.
One of the ways Tu B'Shevat is celebrated is with a special ritual called a seder, which means "order". Tu B'Shevat seders are celebrated by eating special foods, with appropriate prayers, Biblical readings, stories, poetry, songs, and discussions about nature and the environment.
TRADITIONS ON WHEELS®:
Lets celebrate our Jewish traditions together! This charming pushcart program is licensed to the JCC and provides the “vehicle” for enjoyable, informal, interactive, multi sensory activities. The pushcart will visit our lobby and a variety of departments throughout the year, presenting programs for High Holidays, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah and Shabbat. (In the winter and spring, it will provide enriching programs for Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Passover, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Shavuot.) Components may include traditional food, music, background information, useful handouts, activities for adults and children, suggestions for celebrating the holidays as a community or at home, and much more. There is no charge for these programs. Watch for information in the JCC CenterNews throughout the year, and plan to join us!
SHABBAT SHALOM:
Delicious, kosher Shabbat challah is available every Friday from September through mid-June, sponsored by the Early Childhood Department.
The braided challah is the Jewish Sabbath-and holiday-bread. Challah is made in various sizes and shapes, all of which have a meaning. Braided ones, which may have three, four, or six strands, are the most common, and because they look like arms intertwined, symbolize love. Three braids symbolize truth, peace and justice. MyJewishLearning.com
Be sure to place your order with the front desk staff by noon on Thursday - payment due with order.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS:
Watch CenterNews
The CenterNewsfor more information
Questions? Email Wendy Wong, Judaic Educator wwong@worcesterjcc.org
SYNAGOGUES:
Congregation B’nai Shalom
(Reform)
Temple
Emanuel (Reform)
Temple
Sinai(Reform)
Congregation
Beth Israel (Conservative)
Congregation
Beth Tikvah(Conservative)
Congregation
Beth Judah, Young Israel of Worcester (Orthodox)
Shaarai
Torah West Synagogue (Orthodox)
Yeshiva
Tifereth Israel/Sons of Jacob (Orthodox, Chabad)
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION:
Bet Shalom House
508-791-1188
Clark
University Hillel
508-793-7296
Jewish Chronical Leader - Newspaper
508-752-2512
Jewish
Family Service
508-755-3101
Jewish
Federation of Central Massachusetts
508-756-1543
Jewish Healthcare
Center
508-798-8653
Rachel's Table
508-799-7699
508-799-7600, Food Pick Up Line
Yeshiva Academy
508-752-0904