Tu B’Shvat vs. Valentine’s Day
Last Monday was Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees. It’s a lot like Arbor Day, a time when we mark the coming of spring and celebrate nature in general. Some communities host Tu B’Shvat seders or plant trees in honor of the holiday.
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day, which has no explicit Jewish connotations- the closest holiday is Tu B’Av, a little-known celebration which has gained popularity in Israel.
Tu B’Shvat is definitely a time to change the world, especially with the recent focus in Washington on green technology and renewable energy sources. But what about Valentine’s Day? How do we use this time to “reach for the stars”?
Jewcy contributor Dara Lehon has a few suggestions for redefining the day that we can all take to “heart”:
Instead of a getting a teddy bear, save a kitty from the pound; instead of spending hundreds of dollars on dinner, cook a meal together-or volunteer at a soup kitchen; instead of traveling on a romantic vacation, take a winter walk, run, or bike ride-anything without a car or plane. Instead of buying chocolate, get some arugula and squash at the local farmer’s market. After all, nothing says “I Love You” like a good butternut.
Romance and celebrations of feelings should, in no way, be overlooked. In fact, they should be embraced (and not on national TV or Facebook alone).
But maybe it’s time to redefine our thinking, to overhaul the system, to embrace our singledom-or coupledom-and to seek out newness. And, in the spirit of Tu’Bshvat–or this month–plant some new seeds.
This February, instead of killing flowers, I say create life instead.