Tu B'Shvat Seder
View PhotosCelebrate the New Year for the Trees with a mystical journey through the four spiritual worlds from Asiyah to Atzilut. Four cups of wine (from white to red) and specific fruits illustrate the unique qualities of each of the four spiritual dimensions.
The Seder begins with a meditation focusing on the power of personal and spiritual growth on Tu B'Shvat and progresses on a journey through the four worlds, infused with insights from the teachings of Chassidus.
A soulful combination of food, song, wine and deep spiritual learning.
Feedback:
I loved the program. The seder provided such a warm and inviting atmosphere, a real openness and feeling of unity - what a great way to teach Chassidus. - Chana Burston, Chabad of Orange County, NY
Other references:
Rashi Minkowitz, Chabad of Alpharetta, Atlanta; Dassie New, Beth Tefillah, Atlanta, GA; Reizel Shusterman, Peabody, MA;
In the Press:
Jewish Women's Circle Celebrates New Year for the Trees
Strauss News, February 2007Monroe, NY — The Jewish holiday of "Tu B'Shvat," traditionally known as the "new year for the trees" was celebrated recently by Chabad's Jewish Women's Circle in a unique fashion.
Over 40 women from throughout the county participated in a "Kabbalistic Tu B'Shvat Seder," a tradition that originated from the ancient Kabbalists (mystics) of the 16th century in Tzfat, Israel. The Seder was held at the home of Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston of Monroe.
"The holiday of Tu B'shvat offers a unique occasion for insight into living and personal growth," according to Chana Burston, director of The Jewish Women's Circle.
"Tu B'Shvat is an opportune time to celebrate how eating and enjoying the fruits of trees can be a bridge to G-d, and how we can bring tremendous blessing to the earth."
South African artist Neria Cohen led the crowd in an enlightening evening of mysticism, singing and drawing. Cohen travels the world sharing her innovative seminars and previously presented a "Jewish Meditation and Painting Workshop" for the Jewish Women's Circle in May 2005.
The atmosphere of the recent event, a combination of earthy quality and elegant grandeur, provided the perfect setting for the meaningful evening. Participants sat around a candle-lit table laden with beautiful materials, leaves, exotic fruit and stalks of wheat, representative of the holiday's theme.
Four wines were served; white, blush, rose and, finally, dark red, "symbolic of G-d's relationship to the spiritual and physical worlds," explained Cohen. Women enjoyed a lush exotic fruit buffet, which included special fruit native to the land of Israel, traditionally eaten on this day.
Segal Szchuchman and Nadine Pulver, both of Highland Mills, shared meaningful insights on various aspects of the holiday's traditions.
Chana Burston concluded the evening with inspiring thoughts and led participants in a famous Hebrew song whose lyrics express hope for peace among all people. As they sang, participants swayed back and fourth in unison.