Supporting JNF’s Tree Planting Campaign for Tu’Bishvat in our Jewish Day School

Each year, as the Jewish holiday of Tu BiShvat approaches, Lehrman Community Day School demonstrates its commitment to co-curricular education and to the Jewish people by promoting the planting of trees in Israel through the Jewish National Fund. For the past six years, our school has proudly ranked #1 in school tree sales across the nation and hopes to do so again this year. Participation in this tradition with JNF has become an important part of our Tu BiShvat programming, and highlights the generosity of the Lehrman community, as well as the strong bond the school shares with the land and people of Israel.

In the wake of the devastating events on October 7, our school’s support for JNF takes on an even more special significance, one that is emblematic of the community’s deep solidarity with the people of Israel. This Tu BiShvat, JNF is striving to replant the forests in Israel’s south and north that have been decimated by rocket attacks and arson.

For Tu BiShvat, the original Earth Day, Lehrman has a robust curriculum that spans both secular and Judaic studies. In erarly childhood, students have been decorating pots and planting seedlings, and they will have a dried fruit picnic later this week. Classes are also planting parsley that they will then harvest for Passover—a prime example of how our curriculum builds connections between the holidays and classroom learning. 

In K-5, students have been investigating different plant species in science. In Hebrew and Jewish studies, they have been learning what the Torah teaches about Tu BiShvat, as well as the associated blessings. A cornerstone of our Tu BiShvat programming is the participation in the JNF Tree Planting Contest and Tu BiShvat Seder. 
“Partnering with JNF for Tu BiShvat is an important educational experience for our students. They learn not only about the holiday itself but also about the vital role that JNF plays in the development and sustainability of Israel. It is a meaningful way for our students to take part in something greater than themselves and to understand the impact their efforts have on the world,” says Ayala Zeev, director of Hebrew and Jewish studies. 

This educational initiative is part of our broader mission to foster a deep connection between its students and their Jewish heritage. By participating in the Tree Planting Contest, students learn the value of tzedakah (charity) and the importance of contributing to meaningful causes. The sale of trees symbolizes not only the environmental aspect of Tu BiShvat but also serves as an act of unity and a reminder of the importance of supporting Israel in times of need. Each year, the school raises more than $8,000 through the sale of trees, with the funds supporting vital projects that strengthen Israel’s environment and communities.

“The fact that Lehrman has consistently led the way in fundraising for JNF is a reflection of the compassionate and giving spirit of our families. It’s a privilege to see our students and their families come together each year to support JNF, and we’re proud of the legacy we’re creating through our efforts,” says Jodi Bruce, head of school.

Tu BiShvat provides Jewish day schools with a golden opportunity to have a meaningful impact on both their local communities and the broader Jewish world.