The fifteenth of Shevat, otherwise known as “Tu B’Shevat,” is celebrated in the Hebrew calendar as the mark of the New Year for Trees (aptly called the “Jewish Earth Day”). According to Torah thought, human potential can be compared to the growth of a tree as it says in Deuteronomy “Man is a tree of the field.” (20:19)
This year Tu B’Shvat falls on Wednesday, January 20. In light of offering ways to build solid character foundations in families, the Orthodox Union’s Lunchbreak Parenting Webinar is back with a national webcast on Tu B’Shvat at 12:00 PM EST on “Planting Seeds: Tu B’shvat Lessons in Parenting.” The OU is partnering with Parentingsimply.com and Challahcrumbs.com on the program.
The program will be archived so it can be watched at any time.
According to Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, Associate Director of the OU Department of Community Engagement, “While juggling the overwhelming responsibilities of family, career, and community, we don’t want to neglect the important values that should be shared with our kids. We want them to be kind, responsible and respectful of the world around them. However, all we can do is plant the seeds, put down the roots, and try to create a healthy environment of upstanding character and manners where they can grow and learn.”
The webinar will offer practical tips on various topics such as:
- Simple ways to model patience and kindness;
- How being a confident parent teaches kids to be responsible;
- Teaching children how to manage their feelings and staying calm
- Helping children care for their world.
The program will be presented by Adina Socloff, MS, CCC-SLP and Devorah Levine Katz, MSW, who have conducted previous Lunchbreak webinars. Adina runs Parentingsimply.com and is the Director of Parent Outreach for A+ Solutions. Devorah, a mother of five, besides being a social worker is an educator with a special passion for making Judaism accessible and exciting for Jewish families, everywhere.
The program is free but registration is required. You can register online at www.oucommunity.org or by calling 212-613-8300.