Behold, it is the springtide of the year! Over and past is winters gloomy reign, The happy time of singing birds is near, And clad in bud and blooms are hill and plain. -strophe 1
At the conclusion of every Passover Seder hosted by the Siegel family -my long time family friends - Seder guests sing a rousing and purposefully out-of-tune version of the century old Jewish hymn: Behold It Is the Springtide of the Year. This joyful hymn nudges us to rejoice and appreciate the beauty that is all around, even when aspects of our lives might seem dissonant and out-of-tune. I was recently reminded of the Springtide hymn when I arrived at Beth Tikvah noticing all the spring flowers shooting up from the ground, each one boisterously announcing the start of a new season. The sight of such lovely flowers brightened my spirits and brought to me a sense of harmony.
At the same time, I was reminded of the kindness and dedication of our devoted temple youth. The beautiful daffodils, now bursting forth at Beth Tikvah were planted last fall by our BTC 2020 Confirmation class. The 10 Confirmation students chose daffodils because the petals of this flower look like a Jewish star. It was their hope that the flower’s early spring arrival would bring cheer to congregants and greet all who entered Beth Tikvah after a long cold winter.
In the parking lot garden that separates the exit and entrance driveways, the students planted a large cluster of daffodils arranged in a Jewish star formation. Perhaps you will notice their thoughtful design the next time you enter Beth Tikvah.
And in the spring, when all the earth and sky Rejoice together, still from age to age Rings out the solemn chant of days gone by, Proclaiming Israel's sacred heritage. -strophe2
The mitzvah of “proclaiming Israel’s Sacred Heritage” is a fitting description of what our 10th Grade Confirmation students do this and every year when they choose on their own accord to confirm their ongoing commitment to learning and living Judaism every day. We are so proud of each of you! From left to right: Evan Rubinstein, Max Petry, Jessie Vozar, Becca Irgang, Alison Baumgartner, Brandon Eisen, Lily Rybka, Elliot Toljanic. Front: Mikaela Kaminski, Jess Gruettner.
And still from rising unto setting sun Shall this our heritage and watchword be: "The Lord our God, the Lord our God is One, God’s law alone it is that makes us free!" -strophe 4
On these intermediate days of Passover, let us all delight in the bud and blooms that call us to behold the springtide of the year and let us all celebrate the beautiful deeds of one another. May God bless you and keep you. May you be blessed with a week of peace.
