(15th of the Hebrew month 'SHVAT')
NADIA & DAUGHTER NAVAH dig into the soil of the Land they are dedicated to preserve for the heritage of the L-rd, the Jewish People.
(This event was sponsored by Women in Green & The Committee for a Jewish Shdema)
Israeli school children venture out to the hills and valleys to mark early spring by planting trees every year at Tu b'Shvat. It is not a Torah commandment, but a minor festival designated in the Mishnah. And it has nothing to do with modern-day ecology and environmentalism.
It is considered important to participate in connecting with Hashem through a show of appreciation for the Land He has given the Jewish People and the command to build and to plant for its restoration.
The mitzvah to plant was never intended for Chutz la'Aretz, yet Jews of the Galut have raised money for years to buy saplings to be planted in Israel.
I personally joined up with a group of die-hards committed to preserving Israel. We went to the hillside of Netzer which lies between Alon Shvut and Elazar in Gush Etzion. A vineyard was planted along with trees, especially olive trees. In areas known as 'no-man's-land', the first to plant becomes the proprietor of the area.
To view more children's photos and information about Tu B'Shvat activities, go to http://www.tzometfriknfrak@blogspotcom
