Although there is not much spring to look at outside, in Israel, the month of Shvat brings visible signs of renewal and growth in nature, reminding us of the many parallels between the life cycles of the trees and other plants, and our own lives, especially in the field of education. As we gear up for Tu B’Shvat, regardless of the snow outside, we are becoming excited for a holiday that is all about planting.

A few years ago, the book Linto’a Shamayim (To Plant the Skies) was published. This book is comprised of conversations with the educator Rabbi David Fuchs, an educator who lit the way for his students through creating warm, loving personal connections.

The book Linto’a Shamayim presents education as an act of planting and growth, an act of bringing the skies and the “ruach” (literally ‘wind,’ but also ‘spirit’) into the heart of the student, and as an act of making an imprint on the heart of the child.

One of the statements in the book that really resonated with me was that it is possible (and necessary) to do things differently. It is possible to make changes and to innovate. When the educator conveys to the student openness, renewal, and freshness, and is ready to search for the “next thing” that suits the generation, the student’s chances of success are much greater.

Making an imprint on the hearts of one’s children and students is an art. It is an art that calls for humility and fear of heaven, for a clean heart and a listening ear, for love and partnership – and for a lot of help from above.

May it be God’s will that our act of making an imprint on the hearts of our children and students will go well. May it be God’s will that we will succeed.

Chodesh Tov!