Planting it Forward

By Nina Fondiller Woldin

It was 11 degrees when I woke up this morning. I can stand on the ice in New York Harbor, but today I am celebrating the beginning of spring! Not because I am counting the days until the ice thaws, but because, like Yehudah Halevi, my heart is in the east. I am celebrating Tu B’Shevat – spring in Israel – and all that it means to us as Jewish people today.

Israel is more important to us than ever, now that antizionism has become a euphemism for antisemitism. As Howard Lovy recently wrote in The Algemeiner, “…antisemitism adapts to the times and, like a parasite, hitches a ride on whatever version of anti-Jewish hatred is socially acceptable… antizionism… gives antisemites plausible deniability for their hatred…”

Today’s brand of antizionism even took root, to use a Tu B’Shevat metaphor, with a generation of young Jews who do not feel attached to Israel. Many Jewish educators are saying that we failed this generation by not teaching Israel as a core component of Jewish identity. 

Celebrating spring in Israel is a well-established diaspora tradition, as is facing Jerusalem when we pray.

“Every part of the vegetable world is singing a song
and breathing forth a secret of the divine mystery of Creation.”
– Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel

Art by Luca Franzini, 5 year old member of the Chai Mitzvah family.

Recognizing the need for a joyous way to celebrate our connection to Israel, Chai Mitzvah is offering free intergenerational activities, recipes, and fun – not just for kids, but for everyone. And for grandparents (although parents are also very welcome), we are starting a new group with our partner Grand Plan. The group is GRANDparents Circle, and our first meeting will be on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:30 PM EST. Join us for connection and conversation around Jewish family traditions, building strong relationships, intergenerational wisdom, and meaningful connections. Each month, group members will receive conversation starters, games, recipes, and fun for all ages! Here is the link to register.

Looking forward to seeing you on February 10!

2 responses to “Planting it Forward”

1. John Woldin says:

   February 2, 2026 at 2:48 pm

   What a wonderful blog!
   You make a very important point to lead to discussions; that the love of Israel is very important towards the existence of not just Israel, but to the very existence of the Jewish people everywhere.
   I also love your fresh and positive energy throughout the blog.

   Reply
   • Nina Woldin says:

     February 2, 2026 at 2:51 pm

     Thanks and Chag Sameach!

     Reply