This week it's all about growth.
It's Tu B'shvat, the Jewish New Year of the trees.
We commemorate it by thinking about the environment, eating fruit (especially the special seven), and trying to emulate trees.
How does one be like a tree?
Every day it grows, not satisfied with the accomplishments of yesterday. It's not happy that it has the nutrients that it needs, but seeks to provide nourishment for others, yielding luscious fruit from its branches. It uses its shade to protect and shield from the harsh rays of the sun.
Yet at the same time, we see the importance of caring for those same trees to keep that precious environmental balance going. And that holds particularly true in the tree's earliest stages. The seed needs to be perfect and unblemished, the young sprout needs warmth and protection, and the young sapling needs support. With the continuous care and nurture, and blessings from Above, we can be sure that it will grow into a sturdy and productive tree.
This is the inspiration behind so many of the programs that we do at Chabad, from our amazing Camp Aleph (registration is open for summer 2018), to our Jewish Kids Cluband Ready, Set Aleph Bet.
And now, for the very youngest, we have just launched JSprouts a whole series of awesome programs, to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere in a fun and exciting way. Check it all out at www.JSprouts.com
1st event this Wednesday - see below!
And if you have outgrown that young and delightful stage, yet are still young at heart, join us for Tu Bshvat planting at Steamer Landing Park this Sunday at 12:30pm inpartnership with the Friends of the Petaluma River. This event is for all ages young and old alike!
And most important, let's learn from the trees in our own life, to continue to grow, and to always be there for others.
From the Rabbi's Desk
It's All About Growth
Stuck!
Did you know that not all the Jews left Egypt?
We all heard about the ten plagues, the splitting of the sea and the forty-year journey through the desert. After two centuries of back-breaking labor, life was finally looking good. A start of a nation, a promise of a land, a faithful leader they never had. A magical transformative time. No longer would hardship and suffering be their only reality. So much to look forward to.
And yet, the Midrash tells us, that many did not leave. In fact, a full 80% of the soon to be 
nation remained behind. Which unfortunately makes sense. This was the only life they ever knew, and hard as it was, the unknown, in a potentially treacherous desert without resources and provisions, was frightening.
You see, the very first, and most vital step in overcoming any obstacle, is an inner desire for change. The bravery to leave the subpar familiar, for a potential of freedom. The hardest part of moving a car is the first push. And that drive is fueled by something straight from our core. Once that inner fire is lit, nothing can stand in our way.
With a willpower like that, the splitting of the sea, Sinai, and a life lived for a Higher purpose, are mere steps away.
Another takeaway is to be aware of those around us going through tough challenges. There are times when it can be difficult for them to muster the courage to reach for a better life. Let's not leave them behind. A helping hand is needed more than ever to allow them to see beyond the wall they are facing, and realize the dreams awaiting them on the other side of a seemingly impassable sea. Yes, you can!
May we all break free from our constraints, overcome any obstacles we may face, and experience true growth in our personal lives and collectively as the Jewish nation.
The Burning Bush
The Burning Bush.
One of the most iconic, Instagram worthy images of the entire Egypt thing. After chasing down a runaway sheep, Moses notices a thornbush on fire, yet strangely, it was not consumed.
In the ensuing conversation, Moshe receives the mission of the century; Go to Pharaoh and tell him to "let 
my people go", and take the Jews out of Egypt. Sounds easy? Moshe definitely didn't think so. He protested "but they won't believe me!"
After 210 years of back-breaking slavery, the only reality that they ever knew, Moshe anticipated rejection, dismissal and mockery. Hashem gave him signs to prove that he was legit (think staff transformed into a snake).
When it came down to it, the Torah tells us "the nation believed" - not that they were persuaded by the miraculous sign.
This is what we are all about. We have an innate soul quality that continues to shine despite whatever shmutz (dirt) you heap upon it. They were never slaves, they were Jews compelled to do slave labor. They never lost their identity, never gave up their hope. Now with Moshe standing in front of them with a promise of a better life, it was the moment they had been yearning for and expecting for the last two centuries.
When we find ourselves in a situation that compromises who we are, we don't need to accept it. We can believe and hopefully merit a better tomorrow.
The Earthquake
Early Thursday morning, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake woke me up. Barely. Perhaps it was just a dream? For many, it came as a surprise the next morning that they had missed out on the "action". Its epicenter was located in Berkley 45 miles away. Thankfully, no injuries or damage.
Everything we experience in life can teach and inspire us.
Living a peaceful life sounds like a dream. Imagine not having to worry, not having unmet needs, simply able to kick back and relax. However, with it, comes a 
certain danger, or at the very least something to be wary of. Complacency. A gentle shake every now and then can be our natural alarm clock, not to fall asleep on the job. Floating along on your kayak can be relaxing, but it won't necessarily land us at our destination.
In Egypt, which is where the Jews find themselves swimming in this week's Torah, the greatest challenge that they faced was getting too comfortable. If they learned to accept life the way it was, slavery and all, they would no longer have any desire to leave, to find a better life, to become free.
So they set up safeguards, mechanisms to help them from forgetting the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel. They resolved to keep their Jewish identity strong by not adopting an Egyptian lifestyle. They kept their names, their mode of dress, and their language. They decided to paddle upstream.
In our own lives, we can think of where complacency might be hampering our dreams and aspirations. And whether or not we woke up from the earthquake, we can use it as a jolt to remind us to keep on growing.
p.s. Like the Jews in Egypt, if you'd like to read Hebrew, join RIIH - a 5 week Hebrew Reading crash course, that will take you from A to Z (or Aleph to Tav as the case may be). Enter without knowing a single letter, leave being able to read straight from a Hebrew prayer book.