TU B’SHEVAT SERVICE AND SEDER — Friday, January 29, 6:30 p.m., 2101 Bluebonnet Lane. (See Shabbatfor directions.)
Another South Austin minyan — known as A Group of Young Jews — invited us to join their annual Tu B’Shevat seder, to be held here at Beth Firepit, and we accepted.
There will still be a short Shabbat evening service at 7 pm, followed by the seder (held at a table outside) or the usual potluck, whichever you prefer. Please visit Holidays for specific details and note that we need an RSVP if you’re coming to the seder!
Tu B’Shevat originated in the 16th century as a celebration of trees held when spring rains arrive in the Middle East, with a ritual feast using symbolic foods. Modern Jews expanded the theme to encompass Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Kabalistic mysticism and everything in between. A Group of Young Jews uses a haggadah written by Jews for a Just Peace, which defines itself as “Jews who oppose the Israeli government’s policies and practices toward the Palestinian people” — a viewpoint you may or may not embrace. Nevertheless, the seder is meant to stimulate discussion and, more importantly, reconciliation between Israel and Palestine, and while the Firepit Minyan hasn’t taken political positions, we’re all about discussion and reconciliation. The haggadah contains wonderful readings from the Torah as well as early and modern Israelis and Palestinians.
