Planting Seeds of Unity: The Transformative Power of an Inclusive Tu B’Shevat

Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Organizational Vice President, Evolve Chair LBOC area, Board Member Hadassah Southern California. Photo supplied by the author.

(pictured: left to right) Raymond Zachary, Cantorial Soloist; Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Organizational Vice President, Evolve Chair LBOC Area, Board Member Hadassah Southern California; Rabbi Heidi Cohen

At a time when divisiveness too often dominates the headlines,  “Rooted Together: An Inclusive Tu B’Shevat Seder,” hosted by my Evolve Hadassah group of Long Beach/Orange County (Calif.), stands as a testament to unity, renewal and the power of community. That seder, aligned with our initiative to uplift underrepresented communities, wasn’t just an ordinary event. It was an experience of deep connection, preserving tradition and healing.

As a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate in social work, I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued and affirmed. My work has long been centered on supporting individuals in marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ population. Events like Rooted Together are not just celebrations of heritage; they are opportunities to reaffirm our shared humanity and to ensure that every individual — regardless of gender, identity, or background — feels a sense of belonging.

Tu B’Shevat, often called the “New Year for Trees,” is more than a celebration of nature; it is a moment to reflect on our interconnectedness with the world and each other.

With Rabbi Heidi Cohen and Cantorial Soloist Raymond Zachary leading the seder, participants recited blessings over the fruits of the earth and the Shehecheyanu prayer (which offers thanks to God for sustaining us and enabling us to reach this day) and explored the spiritual significance of renewal. The evening wasn’t simply about honoring an ancient tradition — it was about living it, embracing the values of inclusivity and collective responsibility that are intrinsic to both Tu B’Shevat and Hadassah ’s mission.

The Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), known for its innovative, compassionate medical care, research and other humanitarian efforts, understands that healing involves more than physical care. Just as HMO treats a diverse population with comprehensive care, Rooted Together created a space where emotional and communal well-being took center stage. A connected, supported community fosters resilience and strength, reinforcing the principle that inclusion is a vital part of healing.

In my professional work, I see firsthand how access to gender-affirming services can change lives. Mental health outcomes improve dramatically when people feel supported in their identities, when they know that their communities not only accept them but are actively working to uplift them. At Rooted Together, I saw this principle in action: people of all identities and backgrounds came together in a space that was deliberately inclusive. The seder wasn’t just symbolic; it reflected the kind of world we are striving to build, one where equity and belonging are not just ideals but everyday realities.

In many ways, the Tu B’Shevat seder also echoes Hadassah’s broader impact, particularly on disadvantaged or troubled Israeli youth. Just as this seder celebrates the cultivation and care of trees, Hadassah, through its Youth Aliyah villages, has long nurtured the growth of young lives. Its villages have provided a haven for at-risk youth, giving them not only an education, but also support and stability. Hadassah’s youth villages are places of renewal, where children from all backgrounds — Jewish immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ youth and Israeli-born students — are given the opportunity to thrive. The act of planting trees on Tu B’Shevat mirrors the work done every day in Hadassah’s youth villages, where futures are planted and nurtured with care.

Similarly, the inclusive spirit of our Rooted Together seder aligns with the care model at Hadassah’s hospitals, where people from all walks of life receive treatment without bias. Regardless of religion, nationality, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, patients are met with dignity and respect. Just as the seder served as a reminder of our shared humanity, medical professionals in Hadassah’s hospitals work across ethnic and religious boundaries, building connections that extend beyond the hospital walls.

So, as I look back on our transformative event, I know that the attendees of Rooted Together, both in-person and virtual, took part in something greater than themselves and had the opportunity to sense that unity is, indeed, an act of healing. But the work does not stop with one event. Rooted Together serves as a call to action. The seeds we planted through this event will continue to grow, shaping our communities for generations to come.

Through my professional career as a social worker, I know well that inclusion is not passive. It requires action, advocacy and a willingness to stand up for the dignity of all people. Events like Rooted Together remind us that, when we come together with purpose, we have the power to create lasting change. It starts with a seder, a meal shared among diverse individuals, but it extends far beyond  into the policies we support, the communities we build and the love we show to those who need it most.

May we continue to plant the seeds of inclusion, connection and healing so that, like the trees of Tu B’Shevat, our community grows stronger with each passing year.

Deborah is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place. It’s where they celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 500 columns in The Times of Israel Blogs and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.