Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
The Adventure Rabbi Community enjoyed a festive Tu B’Shevat Seder led by Adventure Educator, Elaine Barenblat and Rabbi Jamie Korngold.
Seder plates overflowed with abundant fruits, which were thoughtfully divided into three categories corresponding with three of the four sections of the Seder. They were fruits grown locally, fruits grown in Israel and fruits that are grown far away and imported. The fruits inspired refections on the ecological implications of each group.
The group of over 100 participants enjoyed skits performed by the Girls Time group (Adventure Rabbi alternative religious class for girls in grades 4-6), mined the earth for resources such an coal, water, trees and oil (represented by Jolly Ranchers) to see what was left if we take everything out of the earth, and practiced the team work it takes to take care of the planet by building pyramids, untying human knots and playing good old fashion telephone.
Finally in the fourth part of the Seder, participants planted parsley seeds, which they will care for at home and then bring to the Adventure Rabbi Passover in Moab, two full moons from now.
Overheard Comments:
I had no idea Tu B’Shevat was so much fun. When I was a kid you just paid for a tree in Israel and wondered if you could ever find your tree.”
My son is sick and when I told him he couldn’t come to Adventure Rabbi Kids tonight he cried. My son cries when he misses religious school!”
Mom, please please can I join Adventure Rabbi Teens? I promise I’ll do my math.”
“Rabbi Jamie, please don’t frack the Jolly Ranchers out. Its bad for the water.”
“Hey look at the moon! Let’s pinky swear to see it together at Passover!”
All in all it was a boisterous night filled with yummy fruits, contagious laughter and full-moon rambunctiousness.
