I chose to paint a Shkedia branch with beautiful blossoms. The Shkedia is the first tree to

blossom at the end of the winter, even before there are any signs of spring. It is a symbol

of renewal, of a new beginning. It signifies hope and emuna for a better tomorrow. As we

near the end of a long, dark, and cold winter – galut, we can see the beautiful white and pink

delicate blossoms peeking through the darkness, and brightening up our day, giving us hope

for the future geula that is on its way!

in: שקדיה In Navi we see the

"מה אתה רואה ירמיהו, ויאמר מקל שקד אני רואה….כי שקד אני על דברי לעשותו" )ירמיהו א', י"א(

When Yermiyahu recieves the nevuah about the coming churban, he sees a shaked branch,

and Hashem tells him that "just as the shkedia is quick to blossom, so to I will keep my word

and bring the churban soon".

The Shkedia was upset that she became a nevuah for the churban, so Hashem promised her

that she will also be the nevuah of nechama, the symbol of the geula.

"והיה כאשר שקדתי עליהם לנחוש ולנתוץ ולהרוס ולהאביד ולהרע, כן אשקד עליהם לבנות ולנטוע". )ירמיהו ל"א, כ"ז(

!!עץ שקד the Mashiach will carry, will be made from ,מטה גאולה The