Tu B'Shevat Shabbaton, 5770 

Join us for a special dinner and Shabbaton, Jan. 29-30

When you come to the land and you plant any tree, you shall treat its fruit as forbidden; for three years it will be forbidden and not eaten. In the fourth year, all of its fruit shall be sanctified to praise the L-RD. In the fifth year, you may eat its fruit. -Leviticus 19:23-25 

Tu B'Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees. Many centuries ago the day was embraced by the Kabbalists as a chance to bask in the symbolic meaning of the produce of the land of Israel as an aid to spiritual growth. Recently the day has been a time to explore the relationship of people, our food, and the earth, and learn what the torah teaches about caring for our planet.  

This year we will combine both approaches with a special Shabbat Tu B'Shevat dinner and seder (yes, there are four cups of wine!) at the shul on Friday, Jan. 29. Our seder will feature a special guest, Leah Koenig,  a freelance writer whose work has been published in The New York Times Magazine, Saveur, Gastronomica, The Forward, and Jewish Living. She is also the former editor of The Jew & The Carrot blog. 

We’ll also have scintillating torah talk from Rabbi Greg, delicious gourmet food, fine wine, and Carlebach-style davening led by Avram Mlotek. The evening is sure to be a New Year to Remember!

Here's the breakdown:

• Kabbalat Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner ($40 adult, $20 children/students); Selling out fast, and space is limited
• Our Shabbaton continues Shabbat morning, Jan. 30, with the return of the Sixth Street Learners Minyan, led by Avram Mlotek, at 10 a.m. All are welcome. No Hebrew skills are required.
• On Saturday night at 8 p.m., join us for Motzei Shabbat concert  featuring Tzadik Records recording artists Pitom, lead by guitarist Yoshi Fruchter, who will join us for Shabbat ($10, or $8 if you sign up for dinner)

 RSVP here or call the office at 212-473-3665