Community observes Jewish ‘New Year for Trees’ with pickle making

CHESTER — The recent Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat (literally, the 15th day of the month of Shevat on the Jewish calendar), the Jewish “New Year for the Trees” was celebrated through creative activities and programs by all ages with Chabad of Orange County, led by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston. “This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle,” explains Rabbi Burston. “We mark this day by eating fruit, as well reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.”

At Chabad Hebrew School, students tasted a variety of fruits and created beautiful “Tu B’Shvat Edible Plant Creations” to share with their families. Students also sampled the seven species of the land of Israel, and discussed how children can contribute to helping the earth and our environment. “Chabad Hebrew School students were excited to taste unique fruits and learn about this special holiday as they created beautiful fruit planters,” says Chana Burston.

Children and adults alike enjoyed “The Kosher Pickle Workshop” at the Chabad Center in celebration of Tu B’Shvat. The hands-on demonstration with the “Pickle Rabbi” utilizes the same method as the original pickle masters of the famed Lower East Side of New York. Participants from across the county explored the history behind the art of pickle making, learned about each of the ingredients used and were excited to create a batch of pickles to take home.

The Kosher Pickle factory has traveled extensively throughout the USA, Israel, Canada and Australia bringing the joy of the pickle to over 8,000 folks of all ages.

“This was a fantastic and education multi-generational event,” says Anita Reich, of Harriman, who brought her grandchildren Jamie and Ava, ages 11 and 10, to join her and her husband for the workshop. All enjoyed a buffet of various pickled foods as well as salads and Tu B’Shvat treats. The Kosher Pickle Factory was generously sponsored by Gil and Phyllis Goetz and Mitch and Gladys Wenzel.

Rabbi Pesach’s Tuesday night “Kabbalah and Chicken Soup” study group explored the mystical dimensions of the holiday, and participants brought various unique fruits to share and enjoy.

For information on celebrating Tu B’Shvat and other Chabad programs, call 782-2770, email rabbi@ChabadOrange.com or visit ChabadOrange.com.