Honoring Growth This Tu Bishvat on Feb. 1

Honoring Growth This Tu Bishvat on Feb. 1

Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, invites us to pause and reflect on growth — the kind that happens quietly, over time, and with care.

It’s a reminder of the roots that ground us: our families, our traditions, and the values we carry forward.

Tu Bishvat is a word like Hanukkah; you can spell it Tu Bishvat or Tu B'Shevat. Whatever spelling you use, the correct pronunciation is Too Bish-VAHT. 

To honor this season, I’ve created a few meaningful pieces designed to be used and treasured year after year. 

A Tree of Life necklace symbolizing connection, strength, and continuity. 

Whether you’re marking Tu Bishvat in a big way or a simple one, these pieces are meant to bring intention and beauty into your home — today and for many seasons to come.

Tu Bishvat platter, perfect for sharing fruit, gathering around the table, and creating new memories rooted in tradition.

Wishing you growth and renewal this Tu Bishvat, and every day!

Linda B

Special Offer Blue Swarovski Tree Charm Necklace and Earrings

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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom Book Review

I'm really excited about this book and thought I'd write a different type of blog post.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom 

I couldn't put this book down. It's amazing that a fictional character was created so lifelike that I had to keep checking to see that it was a "novel." Albom interwove comments from 'real' musicians (eg, a member of Kiss) in the story." Frankie's character is so present & talented; this novel brought me to tears at the end of his life.

It reminded me of Clarence, the angel from It's a Wonderful Life telling George Bailey's life story with Elvis singing in the background.

It's a lovely story about talent, gratitude, healing and recovery. 

Upcoming Holiday Designs 

Purim Paw Parade Towel

Hilarious Passover Serving Platter 

Passover Flowers Table Runner

Note: I am not an Amazon affiliate and I have not been paid for this review.

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Please reply to tell me your #1 favorite item from this post. 

The Jewish Perspective on Essential Health Tips

The Jewish Perspective on Essential Health Tips 

Each morning we say a blessing that thanks God for “straightening the bent over.” It’s a beautiful reminder that our bodies matter — that how we stand, move, and care for ourselves is part of our spiritual life too. When we stretch, breathe, or move in ways that release tension and pain, we’re not just taking care of our bodies — we’re honoring that daily prayer in a real way. 

Maimonides, the 12th century Spanish torah scholar writes in the Mishneh Torah about the importance of exercise and healthy, measured eating. For example, he states that a person “should engage one’s body and exert oneself in a sweat-producing task each morning.” 

I believe mental health plays a role too. Looking at beautiful nature scenes reminds us to be grateful for our lives. There's another blessing "Modah ani" which we say when we arise, thanking G-d for returning our soul to our bodies, again expressing gratitude. 

Tu Bishvat Fruit Towel

In the 20th Century, Rav Kook, the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Jerusalem, taught that true spiritual growth can’t happen without physical wellbeing. He believed that caring for the body is part of teshuvah — returning to our best selves. When our bodies are strong and supported, our spirits can rise too. Healthy movement, steady breath, and strength in our bodies help create clarity, resilience, and a deeper connection to who we are meant to be. 

Laughter is also a part of health; it decreases blood pressure by reducing stress hormones and releasing endorphins that increase relaxation. It also decreases inflammation in the arteries. 

Funny Passover Cat Towels

Which is your favorite of the 2 designs to improve your health? 

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Jewish Christmas

Hope your holidays were filled with family, food and laughter. 

My family wishes yours a Happy and Healthy New Year. 

We ate Chinese food on Christmas Day to celebrate with my brother-in-law.  We had curry beef, sweet and sour chicken, and mushroom egg foo young. Since it's only the 3 of us for holidays, it's much easier to order in than to cook a huge meal that results in a week's worth of leftovers.

Shabbat Table Runner

Why do Jews in America enjoy Chinese food on Christmas? According to Kveller, it began on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and Chinese immigrants were two non-Christian immigrant groups living side by side in nearby Manhattan neighborhoods. And while it’s true that Chinese restaurants were likely the only option open for Jews on a holiday like Christmas. An article from The Atlantic said that Jews and the Chinese were linked by their otherness on Christmas because neither had yet assimilated into American culture or celebrated the holiday.

Food writer Michael Twitty explains further, sharing, ““How do you affirm your Americanness when the ‘American’ thing to do is celebrate Christmas?” he said. “You create your own ‘Christmas.’”

Shabbat Tea Towels

Today, most American Jews feel accepted and embraced by American society, and so the isolation and negativity previously associated with the necessity to eat Chinese food has long passed. Chinese food on Christmas is celebrated by society at large, and you can even find restaurants like New York City’s Mile End deli featuring special Chinese-Jewish menus specifically for the celebration of “Jewish Christmas.”

Shabbat

Shabbat starts each Friday at sundown, and lets me recharge my batteries singing and dancing at services at napping afterward. 

How do you celebrate Shabbat?

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Light up the Holidays - Peace Love Series

Light up the Holidays

We're almost at the end of Hanukkah, already. It ends on Monday. Have your had enough latkes yet? 

Here's one of my best-selling Hanukkah Ornament designs.

I've seen so many Hanukkah menorah candles and cities around the world lit up on social media. Please do your part in bringing LIGHT to the world. 

In my neighborhood, I'm seeing a bunch of Christmas holiday decorations which lights up my heart. It's hard to be Jewish on Christmas. Years ago, I decorated Christmas trees at my jobs, and it was fun because I've never had one at home. 

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. I hope you are surrounded with love and light and chocolate. 

I'm continuing my Peace Love ... series for TuBishvat, Purim, and Passover. 

You can help! Give me your ideas for my Peace Love ...X series, and I'll consider adding it to my design list.

Hanukkah Greetings

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The eight-day festival is a joyous occasion, so greeting Jewish friends, family and colleagues with warm Chanukah wishes will surely be welcomed. 

Happy Chanukah

In Hebrew, say chag chanuka sameach, (pronounced chahg cha-nu-KAH sah-MAY-ach.)

Note: items may not arrive in time for Hanukkah

In Israel, it is common to just say chanuka sameach. Some Israelis prefer chag urim sameach (pronounced chahg oo-REEM sah-MAY-ach), which literally translates to “Happy Festival of Lights.”

In Yiddish, say Ah Freilichin Hanukkah, (a happy Hanukkah). Less common but also beautiful: A Lichtiger Hanukkah, meaning a Hanukkah full of light.

And in Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) you can say Hanukah alegre — Happy Hanukkah!

Shabbat happens every week. Make yours special with this gorgeous table runner.  

I know you're still making latkes, but my Tu Bishvat collection is ready to order. 

If you like bold, vivid colors, this Tea Towel is perfect for your home decor. 

My favorite Hanukkah tradition is lighting the candles. What's yours? 

Hanukkah starts soon

Hanukkah is the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its defilement by the Syrian Greeks in 164 BCE. It's also known as the Festival of Lights and usually takes place in December, at the time of year when the days are shortest in the northern hemisphere. This year it starts on Sun., Dec 14 at sundown, when we light the first candle. 

In 167 BCE, the Jews of Judea revolted against the oppression of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire. The military leader of the first phase of the revolt was Judah the Maccabee, the eldest son of the priest Mattityahu (Mattathias). In the autumn of 164, Judah and his followers captured the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been turned into a pagan shrine. They cleansed it and rededicated it to Israel’s G-d. This event was observed in an eight-day celebration, which was patterned like Sukkot, the autumn festival of huts. 

Hanukkah Gifts

Note: Hanukkah shipping and delivery may be delayed, because of the holiday season. 

Much later rabbinic tradition focuses on Hanukkah and it's length and the miracle of the small amount of oil that burned for eight days. They didn't want to focus on a battle, but instead on the Festival of Lights.

Chanukah has become one of the most beloved of Jewish holidays. In an act of defiance against those in the past and in the present who would root out Jewish practice, the observance of Hanukkah has assumed a visible community aspect and public candle lighting. At such celebrations, Hanukkah songs are sung. Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the liberation from oppression. It also provides a strong argument in favor of freedom of worship and religion. 

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