By Aviva Wilford
26 ladies came together to mark both the US Women’s Sabbath and and Tu B’Shevat
Our woman’s officer led with the following comments:
So often we hear about the big events, but the reality is that so much happens quietly in the background. Small acts of kindness, things that might seem minor at the time, have a ripple effect far beyond what you realise.
The role of a Jewish woman doesn’t come with a job description. So much of what you do, at home and in the wider community, leaves a positive mark and shapes future generations. And that’s what makes Tu B’Shvat such a beautiful comparison.
A tree starts as something very small. It needs care, patience, and nurturing to grow. In the same way, the role of a woman — sharing what it means to live a Jewish life and helping nurture the next generation — grows through those everyday actions.
Dorot, which means generations, is one of the initiatives from United Synagogue that encourages us to look at the environment through a Jewish lens — to talk, learn, and act. It reminds us that every tree begins with a single seed, and every act of care and kindness starts with one small step.
So I just want to end by saying: whatever you do, whether it’s noticed or not, it really is appreciated. Thank you all so much. This was followed by Rebetzin Leah’s modern explanation of what the seven fruits of Israel represent and a lesson and a practical for all on planting a bowl of succulents and cacti, using compost and small white stones for layering and variety of coloured moss and graded stoned to decorate the top.
Finally we were treated to a delicious repast by Leah of a very hearty soup, a variety of fruits and citrus cake.Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the event and proudly took their planted bowls home.