New Month Shevat

Today is the first day of the new Jewish month of Shevat. 

Like its corresponding zodiac sign Aquarius, the Hebrew month of Shevat is represented by the water-bearer. Just as water is essential for physical life, so too is Torah a spiritual necessity. And as the sages often compare Torah to water, it is not surprising that “in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, Moses spoke to the Children of Israel, accounting all that God had commanded him to them” (Deuteronomy 1:3). Thus it was, that on the eleventh month, Shevat, and on the first day of the month of Shevat, Moses began his final presentation of God’s commandments. 

All the days from the first of Shevat until the seventh of Adar are especially well suited for renewed inspiration in the study of Torah and the doing of Mitzvot." 

What significance does this connection have over 3,000 years later? In the Northern Hemisphere, where most of the world’s Jewish population resides, the beginning of Shevat is not just the rainiest time of year, but the coldest as well. Shevat, however, is meant to be a season of hope. When life sometimes seems hardest, the seeds of inspiration begin to grow. 

Important dates in Shevat

Shabbat Shirah - The Shabbat on which the parsha of Beshalach is read is called Shabbat Shirah, because it contains the song sung by Israel after the splitting of the Red Sea.

TuB'shevat - This is the Rosh HaShanah (New Year) for trees.

Tree of Life Swarovski Crystal Earrings http://www.etsy.com/listing/91078546 @lindab142 #jewelrybot @rtmyart

 Lucky Green Aventurine Necklace  http://www.etsy.com/listing/45057245 @lindab142 #jewelrybot #save

To honor the New Year for Trees, for every purchase made between January 26 and March 15, I will donate a percentage to plant new trees in Israel. Help me out, please.