Spring seems to be running a tad late this year. Things got a little warmer and sunnier about two weeks ago, and everyone got all excited, but not for long. Then we changed the clocks – also exciting. But fast forward to today – it’s the end of March and we’re stuck in a few days of a sort of miserable hybrid of rain and snow, and it is not pleasant. But the weather will turn soon, I’m sure, and even though it’s miserable in Manhattan, there are definitely changes afoot elsewhere.

Lissa & Kim up at Eden Village Camp!

This past Sunday, we went upstate to visit our friends up at Eden Village Camp in Putnam Valley, we’re they’re well into Spring mode. The event of the day was maple sugar tapping, a traditional end-of-winter activity. We’ve all enjoyed maple syrup many times before, but what a thrill to actually see where it comes from, and how it got into those whimsical little bottles that line supermarket shelves. Having friends in places like Eden gives up the opportunity to live with the seasons and observe nature’s own special timetable.

We all met at Aish Downtown in the East Village, and drove up all the way to Putnam Valley. Our group joined with the other groups who’d come out of the day, and we got to see how it all works. Basically, in cold climates, maple trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter. The starch is then converted to sugar, which rises in the sap in the spring. Maple trees are tapped by drilling holes into their trunks, allowing the sap to come out. The sap is processed by heating to evaporate much of the water, and you get left with a golden-hued syrup to douse your pancakes with. And that’s just what we did! Thanks for the lovely Sunday, Eden Village Camp!

And of course, we’re only days away from the real opening event of Springtime – Passover! We’re going to be hosting two Passover Seders – one at the Aish Center on 83rd St on the second night, and one at the Spanish Portuguese Synagogue, together with JICNY on the first night. The second night Seder is going to be hosted by our good friend and longtime supporter, the aptly-named Ari Moses, together with his wife Shaina and their two children.

“Aish is a great place to experience Judaism for those who have had limited experience in the past,” says Ari. “Passover and the Seder have always been a very enriching and meaningful part of our family’s life and we look forward to sharing this special evening with the Aish community!”

It’ll be a great Seder – complete with props, delicious food, a great crowd and a whole lot of wine and matza. It’s not too late to sign up to join us! Here’s how. Wishing you all a beautiful Passover and a lovely spring!

Yoni Stadlin in farmer mode at Eden Village Camp

Mondays, huh? A complicated and sometimes challenging day, but also a time to assess the events of last week, and plan a coming week that’s even better. Let’s begin with this: last week was great. As you all know, we called it Jewcology week. Our blog had some awesome features from really inspiring guests – farmers, educators and small business operators – all who occupy themselves with living out their ideas about environmentally sustainable practices. So much to learn from these guys! In a world where we see the results of climate change and poor lifestyle and environmental choices all around us, it’s important to have mentors to help us understand how we can change the world around us, and ensure that our descendants can enjoy G-d’s wonderful creations.

Our wonderful Jewcology Shabbat guest speaker Yoni Stadlin put it beautifully; we’re all on the same boat. Drilling a hole in one part of the boat doesn’t just effect that small corner of the boat. It sinks everyone; we’re all responsible for each other. If you think about it, this idea is manifest on so many levels – when you act positively, even if it’s just doing a small deed, or helping someone out – this spreads light. It betters the world, and it makes us stronger as a whole.

Speaking of the Jewcology Shabbat dinner downtown at the Sixth Street Shul – what a success! I came along to that and it was really beautiful to see a room full of young and vibrant Jews sharing a Shabbat dinner together. Dinner was delicious, said speaker Yoni was a treat, and we really had a great crowd. So, thank you to everyone who came, and we hope to see you all again soon, especially at all the events we have planned for Aish Downtown (including our big Purim party on February 23rd [GET EXCITED], the brand new Challah for Hunger chapter we’re starting [STAY TUNED!] and lots more.)

Our other event last week was Jew in the City, featuring the inspiring Allison Josephs, whose story of finding her life’s purpose really moved and motivated her audience. Allison is truly an impressive woman – and the very picture of Jewish pride. I spoke to some people afterwards, and they seemed to honestly be glowing after her talk. It’s amazing how sometimes, just listening to someone as motivated as Allison can really give you the kick you need to stay positive about your own life, regardless of your goals, and feel great about yourself.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead! I’m hoping to see a lot of you at our Date Nation panel this Wednesday night – a must for anyone with questions, or answers, about the complex world of dating.