Middle Schoolers Learn about Tu B'Shevat and Reflect on their Own Growth with a Shiur and Crafts

Middle Schoolers got inspired as they learned all about Tu B’Shevat. Rabbi Sommer gave a shiur about the chag and the halachot involved, as well as why 15 Shevat was the exact date chosen as the new year for the trees. According to Rashi, it is because this is when the rainy season stops and the sap begins to rise before the flowers bloom. The springtime changes have begun, even though we can’t see it yet. With this idea in mind, Rabbi Sommer encouraged the students to think about what is inside them that might not have had a chance to “wake up” yet. What potential do they have to unleash? To continue meditating on this idea with a fun, creative element, students decorated planters with stickers and then planted beans inside to take home.