Tu B’Shvat Seder Stories 5765

We know many of you have Tu B’Shvat seder stories to share. Here are three reports from the field that we hope will inspire you to join or host a seder next year!

Brooklyn, NY: The 4th Annual Park Slope Tu B'shvat Seder for Jewish environmental and social justice professionals took place in Brooklyn, New York at the home of Noam Dolgin, seder organizer and Assistant Director of the Teva Learning Center.Each year this seder brings together a diverse mix of environmental and social activists and educators for an evening of fun, food and fantastic discussions. This year’s seder was at maximum capacity with 51 people in attendance. Commenting on the popularity of the event, Dolgin, said, “The close crowds helped facilitate the great discussions, songs, and celebration.” The merriment continued well into the morning, with guitars, accordions, fiddles and human voices rejoicing in the New Year of the Trees, and the beauty of community.

Vancouver, BC: Adam va-Adamah Environmental Society/COEJL of British Columbia's held a Tu B'shvat event, at Congregation Schara Tzedeck in Vancouver, Canada. Rabbi Acoca of Beth Hamidrash Congregation led a Sephardi-style seder, while Rabbi Orenstein of Congregation Shaarey Tefilah led traditional Tu B'shvat songs on the guitar. Volunteers took part by reading portions of mishna and poems. The group enjoyed a variety of traditional fruits and delicacies including quince and etrog jam! Participants also planted parsley, made "seed balls," and decorated planters, when they visited stations representing each of the four worlds. Biologist Peter Ballin led an interactive activity on the topic of local tree species as well.

Boulder, CO: Daniel Ziskin from “Jews of the Earth” (JOTE) in Boulder, Colorado, experienced a Tu B’shvat miracle! On the day before the seder he and a friend were driving around with four cases of grape juice in the trunk when they were rear-ended by a pickup truck hauling a tractor. The trunk collapsed like an accordion, yet, according to Ziskin, “by the protective powers of the Creator, nobody was hurt and only four bottles broke (representing a tithe offering).” The car was totaled and they walked home. On the way they happened upon a market that was selling pomegranates, which was the only item left to purchase for the seder!

About 75 people attended the seder. The rabbi divided the fruit into "local," "from Israel," and "exotic." Afterwards, the rabbi recited The Lorax by memory to everyone’s amazement. For added entertainment, Dan and others put on a skit about Moishe Oliveseed and a special olive tree he planted. As with all JOTE events at the end of the evening, the compost bin was full, there were many lots of dishes to wash, but the trash cans were empty!