Life B.C. - “Before Covid” seems so far away it’s like another era! We all know the drill lockdowns, death, zoom reality and as we emerge the media announce another variant and another and another. Then there is a new cycle of doom and gloom. Let’s be honest it’s been a long challenging period. The Hebrew month Shevat is spelled shin, beis, tes: שְׁבָט. It is an acronym for a message of hope. Shin – She’nishma, we should hear; Beis – Besurot, news; Tes – Tovot, good. The month of Shevat brings positivity. After long winter, spring with its hope and blessing comes our way.
On the 15th of Shevat it’s the birthday of the trees when after a cold long winter fresh life begins.
It is interesting that theTorah likens man’s life to that of a tree in the field. As the tree is given the gift of renewal after the dark winter, we are given the opportunity for a new beginning and fresh start.
Like a barren tree that uses its sap to emerge from winter and bare beautiful fruits we all have inner potential that can reveal our accomplishments.
On Tu B’Shevat, let’s take the opportunity to realize our potential, and appreciate all our blessings. It is a time of renewal, not just for trees and fruit, but for our own personal growth as well.