Tu B'Shevat (the 15th day of Shevat) is a festival commemorating the New Year of Trees.

In Biblical times, Tu B'Shevat was the day for dividing the old and new tax years for the tithing of fruit. Fruit grown before Tu B'Shevat was tithed for the old year; fruit grown after Tu B'Shevat was tithed for the new year.

In the last century, as Jews began to return to Palestine, the holiday of Tu B'Shevat was again transformed. The Jewish National Fund used the day to encourage the planting of trees in the homeland. In synagogues and religious schools outside of Israel, Tu B'Shevat became a day for learning about the importance of trees in our world and about the geography and plant life of Israel. It was also customary to collect money to be used to plant trees in Israel.

Decorations & Celebration Tips:
-Plant flowers or vegetables
-Make flower pots
-Make fruit basket
-Hold a Tu B'Shevat seder
-Plant trees in honor or in memory of loved ones through the Jewish National Fund

Purim!

Megillah Reading and
Purim Carnival
Wednesday March 7
at 5:00 pm

The Persians are coming!!
The Persians are coming!!

And with them ... the annual TBK Purim Carnival!

It's hard to believe, but another Purim will be here before we know it. On Wednesday March 7, we'll gather together for the Megillah reading at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary. The Purim Carnival follows at approximately 6:15 pm in the Wolk Family Center.

For information on how you can lend a hand, please contact the Clergy Study at 244-7060 ext. 227, or the Religious School Office at ext. 252.

Games, refreshments, raffle items and more - Don't miss out: join us for stamping out Haman's name - Games of chance! Noise and fun! The whole Megillah!

It's Not Too Early to
be Thinking about Purim

Purim will begin on the evening of Wednesday, March 7. WRJ/Sisterhood coordinates a wonderful fundraiser for this holiday. The Shalach Manot project has been a great success for the past few years and we hope to have even greater success this year.

What is Shalach Manot? A Purim basket, filled with gifts of food or drink that is sent to friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, business associates, and other acquaintances on Purim. The mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast, and to increase love and friendship among Jews as a counter to Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity.

You can order your Shalach Manot boxes to be delivered locally or out of town. Order forms are available at that link, in the temple main office or you may send an email to hrenzi4nyps[at]aol.com for a form. You can even donate a Purim gift box to a senior in one of the senior living centers in Rochester. We also need some volunteers to help deliver the boxes the week of February 27 through March 7 in the Brighton, Pittsford, Henrietta and Penfield area. Please e-mail hrenzi4nyps[at]aol.com if you are able to volunteer.

Take part in a mitzvah this year for Purim - put a smile on someone's face and send a Shalach Manot!