Midwinter. The sap begins to rise in the trees. A time of reenergizing and awakening. Tu B’Shvat. The New Year of the Trees. With climate solutions significantly connected to the restoration of healthy forests, HCAT will host three events in honor of Tu B’Shvat.

John Talbert on the State of Our Forests & Tu B’Shvat Seder, Sunday, Jan. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm – Forest ecologist John Talberth will offer a presentation on the state of our forests and how we can help restore their health and draw down carbon at the same time. Following his presentation, Rabbi Benjamin and the Havurah Climate Action Team will guide us through a Tu B'Shvat seder with ritual foods, song, and potluck oneg dessert. Please RSVP here.

Tu B’Shvat Tree Planting with Friends of Trees, Monday, Jan. 21, 8:45 am-12:00 pm – Families are invited to join Friends of Trees to plant native trees and shrubs at Ibach Park in Tualatin. Please arrive by 8:45 am to sign in and enjoy some breakfast treats and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The planting starts promptly at 9:00 am. Friends of Trees provides gloves, tools, and guidance, so all you need to do is show up dressed for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes or boots. A maximum of 36 people can register from Friends of Trees. At least one adult is required for every five youth 15 and under. RSVP by Jan. 7.

Tu B’Shvat Book Reading, Thursday, Jan. 24, 7:00-8:30 pm

Havurah members Alicia Jo Rabins (left) and Rebecca Clarren (below) will read from their newly published books, Fruit Geode and Kickdown.

Alicia's first collection of poems, Divinity School, won the APR/Honickman First Book Award; she is a poet, musician and Torah teacher, and will perform live music as part of the reading.

You can hear an interview with her on OPB's Think Out Loud by scrolling down this web page.

Rebecca is an award-winning journalist with extensive experience reporting on environmental issues; Kickdown, her debut novel, was shortlisted for the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction.

In the spirit of Tu B’Shvat, the authors will read passages from their books related to the natural world. The reading is sponsored by the Havurah Climate Action Team. RSVPs are appreciated.