Hallel for Tu B’Shevat
by Debbie Perlman, z”l
Upon the winter's barren branches,
You paint the leaves of imagination
To welcome Tu B’Shevat,
To sing the coming of new trees.
Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who renews life in its cycles,
Sing praises.
Stretching forth our minds,
We see Your winter fields in furrows,
We watch as young saplings take their places,
Row on row to guard the soil.
Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who enriches dust to nourish growing,
Sing praises.
You defend the tillers as they work,
Digging the desert rich and lush and green;
You call those who watch to offer support,
And share in the promise of the Land.
Sing praises to the Eternal,
Who guards the toilers and the givers,
Sing praises.
Sing praises to the Eternal,
Whose Branches shelter over us,
Sing praises.