Tu B’Shevat greetings
Ray Williams and Inga Peulich have extended their very best wishes to the Jewish community on the occasion of Tu B’Shevat.
Ray Williams
The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams has sent a message stating: “It is with great pleasure that I send my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Tu B’Shevat this year, the Jewish New Year for Trees.
This is a time for families to gather together and taste traditional fruits from the Holy Land: dates, wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives and pomegranates.
Tu B’Shevat is an opportunity to plant trees and enjoy the fruits of nature, allowing us to reflect on the endless circle of life and our connection to the land.
From strong roots, communities grow, and the NSW Government appreciates the many contributions made by Jewish Australians to our civic life.
As Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish the Jewish community a happy Tu B’Shevat and continued peace and prosperity into the future.
Inga Peulich
The Victorian Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Inga Peulich said: Since ancient times, Tu B’Shevat has served to remind us of the responsibility that human beings carry to care for the environment, affirm the importance of planting seeds, and thus affirming the importance of the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment in which we live and work.
On Tu B’Shevat, it is customary to consume fruit with which the Holy Land is praised while reciting the Shehecheyanu, a blessing recited on joyous occasions in the Jewish faith.
As millions of adherents of the Jewish faith come together on this special occasion, may we all be touched by the Jewish tradition’s teaching which likens trees to wisdom and life itself – so, too, may we bring that message to others.
As Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and on behalf of the Liberal National Coalition, let me once again wish you all the best for Tu B’Shevat.
