“How can we grow a forest?” a young student asked a Rabbi. The Rabbi replied, “One tree at a time.” How can we grow Jewish life? One person at a time. Today is Tu BiShvat, the Jewish new year for the trees. It’s a reminder that after a long winter, there is growth, renewal, and spring. As Abby Eisenberg, a modern Jewish thought leader said, “This year, Tu BiShvat reminds us that in the midst of a very difficult winter for many, there is light, hope, and change ahead.”
I like to think about Jewish identity as a tree. We’ll use a Torrey Pine for this metaphor to really lean into San Diego culture. For each person it’s different but someone plants the seeds for Jewish life. Sometimes it’s one’s parents. Sometimes it’s a teacher. Sometimes it’s a friend. As those seeds take root they connect us to a broad network of Jewish life- anchoring each one of us to the past. Yesterday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day and I’d like to think that the roots of Jewish life today connects us to the millions of Jews who never got a chance to thrive. We carry them with us as we stretch out toward the sun.
Hillel of San Diego helps fortify Jewish identity. We serve as the trunk. Students gain the tools to strengthen who they are as Jews- through learning, through togetherness, and through support. Just like our forests take constant nurturing, so do our future Jewish leaders. And that’s where Hillel comes in. I met with a student the other day and learned from him that Hillel of San Diego is the place where he feels the most at home. He considers the Hillel staff his anchors who have given him so much strength and stability, especially during this volatile time. It’s conversations like this that uplift me. The work is hard but I am reminded that every student who connects through Hillel is another leader going out into the world and making it better. It truly inspires me. This Tu BiShvat, I challenge each of you to think of your own Jewish identity. Who helped you thrive? Who nurtured your growth?
Last week we launched an Alumni Survey because we see Hillel of San Diego as a place for everyone. We want you to stay connected even after you graduate. If you are an alum and haven’t completed the survey yet, please do! We want to hear from you. Our commitment to fostering Jewish life for the next generation is an investment in the future of the Jewish people. That doesn’t end with a cap and gown. Our alumni are a reflection of this work. We want to know about each tree and we want to help grow the forest.
I also want to add that this work of cultivating Jewish identity is made possible only through your generosity. For those of you who have already invested in Hillel of San Diego, thank you. Each dollar goes straight toward caring for the future. For those of you who haven’t yet, I hope today, on Tu BiShvat, you can help our Jewish community grow and thrive through Hillel.
May your day be filled with the beauty of trees (Torrey Pines preferably).
