Tu b'Shevat

Today and tomorrow, according to T.J.'s email, are Tu b'Shevat, Israel's Arbor Day.

And I quote:

It is celebrated by eating the special types of fruits for which Israel is renowned: olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates -- and also buxer (carob). It's also celebrated by planting trees in Israel and if you can't get to Israel, you can purchase trees to be planted in Israel from the Jewish National Fund www. jnf.org or call 800-542-TREE.


Before the email finishes, he adds that it's a Biblical mandate to plant a tree in Israel. Now, I'm all for planting trees in Israel. It sounds like a great idea. But does anyone know where it's mentioned in the Bible?

My Excuse

Contrary to the argument that blogging was just a fad in our community, I have serious excuses for not having blogged since November 26 - mainly that on November 28 I received one of the most important and exciting phone calls of my life.

Peter Loth - an amazing man of God, a Jew, and a Holocaust survivor - asked me to edit his book. The story of how that came about is a bit long, but basically God is incredibly faithful and gracious in the drama of my life. He gave me the desire of my heart that was planted several years ago when I first met Peter in Eric's parents' kitchen.

And you thought I just picked up all those Holocaust memoirs for some light reading.

I just finished the first of what will be many editing passes through the manuscript, so I'm celebrating by telling you all about it.

Praise the Lord.