In this session we’re not just going to celebrate trees—we’re here to interrogate them as we prepare for the Jewish New Year of trees - Tu Bishvat. Join us as we unearth the power of trees in Jewish tradition, from their symbolic resilience in the face of adversity to the ways they challenge us to reconnect with the earth—and with each other. Come ready to unpack ancient Biblical and Mystical texts, contribute to unfiltered conversations, share sharp insights and take a deeper look at what it means to truly honor our roots in a world that’s constantly uprooting us. No prior learning required.

Elisha Gechter has been working in the Boston Jewish Community for 17 years – at the Harvard Kennedy School for the last decade, working to support Israeli students, and previously connecting people searching for community and for Jewish wisdom as the Associate Director of Adult Learning and Community Engagement at Hebrew College and fundraising with local young leaders at the Jewish Federation, CJP. She has a BA in psychology from Yeshiva University in New York and an MA/MBA from Brandeis’ Heller Hornstein Program in Jewish Leadership and Non-Profit Management. She is currently pursuing Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshivat Maharat in their part-time executive track and hopes to graduate this June. She is a board member with Mayyim Hayyim Mikvah and Education Center, is an alum of Encounter, an educator on local Honeymoon Israel programs, and through Hebrew College's Tamid Jewish learning programs. Elisha lives in Somerville with her husband and two kids and is an active minyan goer.