Anat Brusilovsky
Winter in Israel is gray and damp. First we wait a long time for rain, and when it finally pours down on us as a blessing from heaven, we vainly try to shelter under umbrellas and jump over endless puddles. Most of the time, we dream of just one thing: getting home as soon as possible and slipping under a warm blanket.
Citrus trees laden with fruit stand out as the only bright spot against the general grayness.
Yellow and orange, they smile at everyone who passes by and try their hardest to take the place of the sun, hidden behind a thick veil of rain clouds.
These trees remind me of Duracell batteries, working for the good of society even when all their companions have fallen into an anxious, chilly winter hibernation. Every time I look at another citrus tree, I feel orange energy filling me and helping me keep going. It is then that I suddenly realize that trees are like us humans.
This Shabbat, we bless the new month of Shevat.
Although we are still knee-deep in winter, the month of Shevat hints that spring is just around the corner. In just two weeks, the trees will celebrate their biggest holiday—their New Year. They will receive strength and blessings, and we will receive all of this along with them. For a person is a tree of the field.
And the name of the month, "Shevat," is also an acronym for the words "Shenishma Besorot Tovot"—"may we hear good news."
That is what I wish for all of you.
I also wish you spring and love, and that you always remember that behind even the darkest storm clouds, a bright, warm sun is always hiding. If you do not believe me, ask the citrus trees—they seem to know something.
Wishing you all a lovely Shabbat, delicious chocolate, warm company and many blessings!