February: A Month of Reflection and Celebration for Our Community

February is an odd month on the calendar. While there aren’t any major Jewish holidays, the month is filled with humorous attempts by humanity to distract us from the fact that February still feels like the dead of winter.

Groundhog Day: A Quirky Tradition

Groundhog Day is the quintessential “weather-related” holiday. The entire event focuses on whether a rotund rodent, known as Punxsutawney Phil, is frightened enough by his own shadow to remain burrowed for another six weeks. This indicates more hibernation and more winter for everyone. Folks make the yearly pilgrimage from all over the world to rural Pennsylvania in the middle of the freezing night. They hope to catch a glimpse of the egoistical woodchuck.

How selfish could any animal be to force more winter on all of North America just because they didn’t want to leave the comfort of their own home? Who doesn’t feel like sleeping the winter away? Do better, Phil!

President’s Day: A Mixed Bag

And then there’s President’s Day. Let’s just say that it’s becoming more and more difficult to find excitement for this day. It’s really a celebration of President Washington’s birthday. Perhaps we should combine President’s Day with Groundhog Day? If that lazy woodchuck was incentivized with a paid national holiday, maybe he’d be more likely to venture out.

When I think of the history of the United States Presidency, I’m often left feeling like we’re living through the movie Groundhog Day. It feels rather appropriate.

Valentine’s Day: A Commercialized Affair

Valentine’s Day, while a noteworthy reminder to show appreciation to the lovers in our lives, feels more like a commercial holiday these days. It seems designed to sell Whitman’s chocolates and gas station flowers. Besides, the Jewish version, Tu B’Av, falls in August. Summer romance is always preferred! It’s easier to date and socialize when the weather is nice. Long walks along the beach and picnic lunches are tough in snow drifts.

Tu B’Shvat: A Sweet Celebration

Tu B’Shvat, the only Jewish holiday in February, is a minor but important holiday that actually hits a sweet spot. While the holiday honors the new year of trees in Israel, where plants are just beginning to sprout, those of us in North America laugh because we still have 5 feet of snow in our backyard.

However, I’ve always found Tu B’Shvat to be inspirational. It allows us to dream of warmer months, flowers, fruits, and sunshine. It also forces us to accept and even embrace our current wintry fate. I love summers on Lake Champlain, but man can’t live on summer alone.

Time is precious, and we only have so much of it. Blizzards or heat waves, we all must learn to live in the moment. We can appreciate winter’s calm and majestic beauty, especially surrounded by the Adirondacks. This year, Temple Beth Israel will celebrate Tu B’Shvat with a community brunch seder on Sunday, February 1st, starting at 10 AM.

The Super Bowl: A Celebration of Community

The Super Bowl? What a glorious day in American sports! My only problem is the depressing void that is created once the NFL playoffs come to an end. Thank goodness for Temple Beth Israel’s annual Souper Shabbat—the highlight of the month! This year’s Souper Shabbat will take place on Friday, February 6th, starting at 5:30 PM.

We encourage folks to explore their culinary depths by sharing their favorite soups. If you’re interested in attending Souper Shabbat or the Tu B’Shvat community brunch seder, please RSVP to the office.

A Month of Reflection and Hope

Well folks, maybe there is more to celebrate this month than I originally anticipated! Here’s to an early spring in February or perhaps a late winter. Let’s hope for grapes to turn into sweet flowing wine somewhere in Israel, lovers sharing a candlelight dinner, your favorite football team continuing their successful playoff push, and maybe, just maybe, the president will see his shadow.

As we navigate through this chilly month, let’s embrace the beauty of our community and the warmth we create together. Let’s make this February a time of connection, reflection, and joy.