Shavua tov – may it be a good week amen. This Shabbat we studied the portion of the Torah “B’shalach” and learned of the miracles of the L-rd of Israel and how HE saved us time after time from slavery, from persecution from the hatred of Amalak- and how we were blessed .
Today we witness the continued hatred in each generation against the Jewish people no matter where we are. And along with this, we continue to witness the blessings of the L-rd of Israel here in our Land.
In a few short days we shall celebrate Tu b”shvat and the blessings of the fruit of the Land of Israel. How true the miracles are of our Land! I remember when we first moved up to Bet Horon, in the Benjamin Region of the Shomron, how barren the mountain was. No trees, no flowers not one bird to be seen or heard. We at that time had no running water or electricity so we hand planted trees and bushes, flowers and hand watered them.
Today the miracles are here to be seen! Just take my personal garden for example– fruit trees; lemons, apples, oranges, and olive trees. The community is full of trees, flowers, the song of birds, butterflies and so beautiful to see and hear.
Our Land is full of the blessings of the L-rd- where once there were barren plains, or mountains we see plants, trees, agriculture – so important and so beautiful.
We do not take this for granted and this holiday of Tu B’shvat is exactly about that- the blessings of the Land of Israel. To be able to travel our Land and see the grape vines, the fruit trees, the vegetables growing out of the soil is always exciting and always a reason to thank HaShem for HIS blessings.
So as each of us prepares for this chag and while everyone is preparing the costumes for Purim which is coming soon – we each must remember the blessings and thank HaShem for them.
Tu B’shvat sameach