January 1, 2026
When the stillness of winter brings a snowy blanket that covers hard-packed soil, I find myself thinking of the trees. Though their skeletal branches pierce the cold air at this time of year, I always imagine that trees continue to grow even now. While deciduous trees enter a state of dormancy above ground during the winter months, their roots continue to grow beneath the surface. They absorb nutrients from the ground and store them for spring growth.
We, too, experience growth throughout our lives, at every stage and in every season. Much like a tree’s roots soaking up nutrients, we take in experiences that nurture our souls. Every experience impacts us; we reflect on the moments that shape us into who we become. We are guided by memories, shaped by values, and formed by the people we encounter. Throughout life’s stages, we plant seeds in the ground that help others grow.
As we reflect on growth, we are reminded of a famous story from the Talmud, Tractate Ta’anit. Honi, known as the Circle Maker, is walking along the road when he encounters a man planting a carob tree. He asks the man, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?” The man replies, “Seventy years.” “Will you live to see this tree bear fruit?” Honi wonders. With wisdom, the man responds, “Just as my ancestors planted for me, I plant for those who come after me.” Honi then sits by the side of the road and falls asleep. When he awakens, he sees a man gathering fruit from the carob tree. Honi asks, “Are you the one who planted this tree?” The man answers, “It was my grandfather who planted this tree.” In that moment, Honi realizes he has slept for seventy years.
The fruit that grows from the trees of our lives has far-reaching effects that nurture others. We leave legacies that shape the next generation. Our stories are more than stories; they are the seeds that sustain the legacies we create in the world.
With this in mind, we are excited to launch a new project at Congregation Beth Tikvah. We call it The Carob Tree Project. Congregation Beth Tikvah is built on the stories of our members. Through this project, Hannah Karr, our Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, and I look forward to meeting with members to learn more about their stories, the values that have guided their lives, and the experiences that have shaped who they are.
In our January issue of Tikvah Topics, you will find the first installment of The Carob Tree. Last month, we met with longtime Beth Tikvah member Dawn Heyman. We spoke about joyful moments in her life, the challenges she faced, her connection to Judaism and Jewish life, and the lessons that have guided her. Her stories are both fruit and seeds that nurture us and help us grow. It is our hope that, as this project continues, we can be like Honi—reaping the fruits and seeds of the many members of our community who have incredible stories to share.
Rabbi Rick Kellner