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The opening of Genesis outlines God’s intimate involvement with the natural
world and describes the Almighty proudly looking upon His handiwork and
declaring, “v’hine tov meod” - “and behold, it was very good.” Man is created
and is immediately charged with caring for creation, as an “oved,” a worker who
builds and crafts, as well as a “shomer,” a watchman who is obligated to keep
the world whole for its true Owner. Tonight is the wonderful festival of Tu
B'Shvat, the New Year for the Trees, when we renew our biblical commitment to guard and protect His
beautiful world. Celebrate this environmental holiday by planting a tree in the
Land of Israel!
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