During the time of Tu BiSh’vat, all the plants appear to be the same as it was the day before. But beneath the rough, lifeless bark, hidden from sight, there is a stirring…a silent awakening…a new life beginning to emerge that will eventually, with Hashem’s help, blossom and bear fruit. We can learn three important lessons from Tu BiSh’vat.

Met Council on Jewish Poverty joins the nation in mourning entertainment legend Bob Saget, a hilarious comedian and a generous and giving man who helped Met Council’s emergency food programs at a time when they needed it most – during COVID. A familiar, fatherly face to a generation of Americans, Saget was a ubiquitous presence on television for decades and one of the funniest comedians in the business. Last February, Saget volunteered his talents with comedian Elon Gold for a star-studded performance of “Purim: Funny Story,” a hilarious retelling of the Purim story that raised $500,000 for Met Council’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

The passing of Rebbetzin Temah Kamenetsky a”h late this past Sunday evening left the frum world in mourning. The rebbetzin was the eishes chaver of Maran HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, the Rosh HaYeshiva of Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel of America. The rebbetzin was always at her husband’s side, being an active supporter of his work circulating Torah.

The plan underway to re-open Eretz Yisrael in the aftermath of the Omicron variant is no simple feat. It took the involvement of many groups, representatives, and behind the scenes meetings all focused on showing that the State of Israel is home for Jewish people worldwide.

Winter break with Emet Outreach was more than a much-needed Florida vacation for a group of deserving college girls. Led by Ms. Adina Fendel, Emet Women’s Director, the six-day-trip featured a full schedule of motivational speakers, impactful religious experiences, scenic excursions, luxurious accommodations and of course, the opportunity for friendship.