| Apologies for the incorrect dates on the original Newsletter!
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Tu B’Shvat – January 16-17, 2022Since we won’t be having a "live" Tu B’shvat seder this year, we encourage people to have their own, in their homes, this year! Below is a link to a pdf Tu B’Shvat Seder Guide. Tu B’Shvat takes its name from the date of its observance on the Hebrew calendar—the 15th day of the month of Sh’vat, which falls in January or February. Tu B’Shvat is also known as the New Year for Trees, which is how it is described in the Mishna (Rosh Hashana 1.1) because it is the date from which the age of trees was counted, determining when fruit tithes were owed in the days of the Temple. This date was selected because trees flowered after it. In Israel, where the winters are relatively mild, the date also marks the beginning of the tree-planting season. Because Tu Bishvat is connected to the agricultural cycle of the Land of Israel, it is customary to eat fruit grown in Israel on that day. This can include dates, figs, grapes, almonds, pomegranates, carob and oranges. Some people also make a point of eating olives or honey, since these are also typical products of Israel. Sephardic Jews (descendants of the Jews of Spain and Portugal) often held a Tu Bishvat seder, a custom that originally came from kabbalists (Jewish mystics), most likely those of 16th century Tzfat, a town in northern Israel. In recent years Tu Bishvat seders have become more common, perhaps because of environmental concerns, a desire for deeper spirituality and the flexible and open-ended nature of the holiday’s observance. *See Recipe for Couscous with Lemon and Golden Raisins below
Steve & I got a rapid COVID PCR test last Thursday from Curative (Negative!) We got one before we went to Hawaii (in Redmond) and got another Thursday in Bend – both testing sites are at the local COCC campuses. It took us about 5 minutes for the test – there were no lines. And the results were back to us within about an hour. Free. Here is the website to book an appointment – you need to book the appointment. But we showed up early and had no wait at all. Curative has testing sites around the country so even if you are not here in Central Oregon, you can check them out. Happy New Year to all of you — — Cynde
Thanks, again, to Stephen Greenberg for his work as the Chair of the Facilities Committee– If you are interested in joining the committee, contact Stephen at stephengbiker.
tORah now You can check out Rabbi Yossi’s weekly Torah commentaries by clicking on the link below:
Yahrzeits we remember in January
Register for the Reconstructing Judaism 2022 Convention, happening virtually and in-person in the Washington, D.C. metro area on March 23-27, 2022.
You can "view" our current inventory at jccoshalombayit.onlineweb.shop And then email Alice at secretary to organize purchasing items or call 541-668-6887.
Tuesday, January 18th at 6 pm via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85924155056?pwd=bjVBWWVLOHNMd3FvUDNjeXUzRlFzZz09 Meeting ID: 859 2415 5056 Passcode: Shalom
TBT’s Chevruta meets Sundays from 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM via Zoom to a weekly Torah Study through the Lens of Musar Masters. Contact Lauralei Garrity, TBT Program Director, for sign-on information at lauralei.garrity A Tu B’Shevat Recipe
Can be made with Israeli couscous or barley. After pan is covered, reduce heat to simmer and cook until liquid is absorbed. Serves 6
Cook onion in 1 tablespoon oil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add water and broth and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous and raisins, then cover and remove from heat. Let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice. Add remaining tablespoon oil and nuts, and salt and pepper to taste.
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