Chaya, 5, right, and son J.J., 4, all of
Kingston, plant tulip bulbs during the
planting party.
The center held a tree-planting event to commemorate the Jewish holiday Tu Bishvat at the Phantom Gardener nursery. The official celebration, also known as the Jewish New Year of Trees, took place Tuesday.
Sunday's event marked the first time the Jewish Center held an event for Tu Bishvat.
“It's one of the less celebrated holidays in the Jewish calendar,” Rabbi Hanoch Hecht of the center said. “But it is a very important holiday and it has a very important message.”
During Sunday's event, Hecht talked about the Tu Bishvat's importance. He said the ancient holiday has taken on an even greater meaning given the world's renewed interest in green and sustainable living.
Jewish Holiday Celebrates Trees
Chaya, 5, right, and son J.J., 4, all of
Kingston, plant tulip bulbs during the
planting party.
RHINEBECK, NY — Members of the Rhinebeck Jewish Center got together Sunday for a celebration that centered on all things green.
The center held a tree-planting event to commemorate the Jewish holiday Tu Bishvat at the Phantom Gardener nursery. The official celebration, also known as the Jewish New Year of Trees, took place Tuesday.
Sunday’s event marked the first time the Jewish Center held an event for Tu Bishvat.
“It’s one of the less celebrated holidays in the Jewish calendar,” Rabbi Hanoch Hecht of the center said. “But it is a very important holiday and it has a very important message.”
During Sunday’s event, Hecht talked about the Tu Bishvat’s importance. He said the ancient holiday has taken on an even greater meaning given the world’s renewed interest in green and sustainable living.
People ate an assortment of dried fruits, dates and nuts before listening to a brief presentation on sustainability and organic planting techniques by Norbert Lazar, owner of the Phantom Gardener. After the talk, attendees were given pots filled with dirt and tulip bulbs to take home and plant.
Sharon Greenberg, whose family owns the Woolly Acres llama farm in Rhinebeck, was pleased with Sunday’s event.
“Anything that celebrates trees and promotes a healthier, greener way of living is wonderful,” Greenberg said.
Lazar said he was thrilled when the Rhinebeck Jewish Center contacted him about the event.
“It’s a tree-planting ceremony and I’ve always been a strong proponent of protecting the environment,” Lazar said. “Planting trees is one of the things you can do to protect the environment.”
Hanoch said he believes there is a reason the holiday is downplayed.
Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht helps his daughter Chaya, 5, right, and son J.J., 4, all of Kingston, plant tulip bulbs during the planting party.
a crown heightser
Yasher Koach! Beautiful idea, I love when shluchim come up with new and interesting ways to get people interested in yidishkeit. May you, and all shluchim go from strength to strength!
your sisterinlaws/aunts
yay!! go yitz and lealeah and the kidz!! we love u!