There are four new years in the Jewish calendar, one of which occurs this month. The 15th of Shevat (corresponding in 2019 to Jan 20-21) is the new year for the trees, which was used to calculate tithing for their fruit. There is the 1st of Nisan, which evokes the exodus from Egypt, and is actually the "first" month of the year.  There is the 1st of Elul, used to calculate tithing for cattle. And of course the 1st of Tishrei is "Rosh Hashanah," which traditionally marks the birthday of the world.

 In our secular world we also mark January 1 as the first day of the Gregorian calendar and July 1 often serves as the first day of a fiscal year. Once we add the start of the academic year and our individual birthdays, we have a remarkable number of opportunities to take stock of our past and make plans for the future.

As a congregation, January also marks the beginning of a new year for our board. Thank you to the leaders whose service on the IADS board ended in 2018--Leor Barak, Rena Friedberg, Susannah Goodman, Liz Kannon (who joined our staff!), and David Kirsch. Your time, energy, and insights have been invaluable and this community is stronger because of you.  Some of you served on the board for multiple terms and we appreciate your dedication and the tremendous growth you enabled. Our incoming board members know that they are standing on the shoulders of giants. And thank you to Jodee Raines, who completed her term as president. You have given so much of yourself to this congregation, and we are so grateful for both what you have done, and for what you will continue to do. 

Tu B'shevat reminds us to notice and appreciate the growth that happens every year. No matter which new year(s) you choose to observe, we can find examples of growth that has been remarkable and beautiful. Happy New Year.

With gratitude,

Rabbi Silverman