“The almond tree is blooming and the golden sun is shining,
Birds atop each roof announcing the arrival of the festival.
Tu bishvat has arrived (it's) the festival of trees.”
— HaShkadiyah Poraḥat
— HaShkadiyah Poraḥat
Hard to be thinking about springtime and blooming trees with snow on the ground, but that’s what the Jewish calendar does: promising us the return of warmth just as we face the doldrums of winter. It may still be gray outside, but Friday February 7th right after Shabbat services (starting at 7:30 PM) we will be having a Tu Bishevat Seder. Come try delicious sweet fruits from Israel as we explore some of the mystic connections of this holiday. Also find out how the song Atzei Zeitim Omdim, ‘Olive Trees are Standing,’ was originally Atzei Shittim Omdim, ‘Acacia Trees are Standing,’ and why this was changed. I’ll give you a hint, your parents were just as immature as you were when they were Religious School-Aged...
I am also pleased to announce that the ENJC Klezmer Band has continued to show promise and will be performing a short selection of songs over Purim, both at the Megillah Reading, Monday March 9th (starting at 7:30 PM) as well as at the Purim Feast on Tuesday March 10th (starting at 5:30 PM).
My family and I look forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays with our entire ENJC community, and I will continue to encourage you to find ways to make the East Northport Jewish Center a home away from home. Our doors are always open to you, and we are offering new and exciting opportunities to connect with your fellow congregants here. Don’t see something that entices you on the calendar? Please contact Mary in the synagogue office, 631-368-6474, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to tell us what kinds of events and activities WOULD bring you into the building.