73 - Hallel for Tu B'Shevat

It’s COLD here in Chicago! There’s snow on the ground and slush in the streets. So I have o use my imagination to believe that anything is being planted outside at this time of year. But I know that in Israel, things are different. And that we can celebrate all the great variety of vegetation brought forth by the Creator. As my friend, Bonnie, wrote in the latest of her “Bubbe Books” for grandson ‘Tzally: “Tu - Tu - Tu B’Shevat! Let’s give thanks for all we’ve got!”

Seventy-Three

Hallel for Tu B’Shevat

Upon the winter barren branches,
You paint the leaves of imagination
To welcome Tu B’Shevat,
To sing the coming of new trees.

Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who renews life in its cycles,
Sing praises.

Stretching forth our minds,
We see Your winter fields in furrows,
We watch as young saplings take their places,
Row on row to guard the soil.

Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who enriches dust to nourish growing,
Sing praises.

You defend the tillers as they work,
Digging the desert rich and lush and green;
You call those who watch to offer support,
And share in the promise of the Land.

Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who guards the toilers and the givers,
Sing praises.

Sing praises to the Eternal,
Whose Branches shelter over us,
Sing praises.