- Shabbat and Holidays
- General
What Is Unique About the Fruits of Eretz Yisrael?
The fruits of Israel have special qualities, specifically the "7 Minim" (types) listed in parshat Ekev: Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives & date (honey). These fruits create Kedusha within us & enhance our love of Hashem & Israel. Each type of fruit symbolizes a different aspect of the Jewish People: the pomegranate/rimon, is filled with many (613?) seeds, just as each Jew is chock-full of merits; grapes bring people to higher levels of joy, just as we Jews bring joy to our G-d; olives must be crushed to produce its pure, holy oil, even as we endure crushing difficulties yet produce purity & holiness, etc. The last letters of "zavat chalav u’dvash, a land flowing with milk & honey," form the word Shabbat. Just as Hashem infused one special day with unique holiness & a special mode of behavior, so, too, G-d declares one land only - Israel - more unique than any other, assigning to it the unique Mitzvot dependent on the land, as well as a special bracha for these 7 fruits. A special "Tu B'Shvat Seder" highlighting these fruits and the bounty of Eretz Yisrael is a wonderful custom - just google it!

Is papaya a tree?
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Shvat 2 5779
The most important insight of my life - The story of the olive tree
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu | Shvat 15 5782
Tu B'shvat - A festival of renewal
Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair | Tevet 28 5781
Tu B'Shvat - The Power of Longing
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbi Netanel Yossifun | Shvat 15 5781

Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.

WE ARE THE MISHKAN!
Adar 6 5777

Parasha Summary - Shelach Lecha
An Overview of the Torah Portion

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Sivan 29 5781
