Jewish National Fund-USA is teaming up with IsraeLINK, a division of StandWithUs, to provide exceptional Tu B’Shevat curricula for classrooms across America. Using both proven study materials and an immersive tree-planting competition, the program is designed to create a lasting connection between students and the Land of Israel.
The free program includes elementary- and middle-school grade-specific downloadable lesson plans and materials with simple instructions. The lessons explore the foundations of Tu B’Shevat and Israel-related themes associated with the holiday.
In addition, the program will include a nationwide tree-planting competition that will run from Jan. 1 to March 1, giving classrooms an opportunity to directly participate in building Israel’s future, and show their commitment to a strong and healthy Jewish homeland. Each school will have a unique tree-planting page, and regional prizes are also available, depending on location.
Nearly 200 schools and synagogues participated in the fundraising campaign last year, raising more than $70,000 combined in support of the land and people of Israel.
“As our unofficial ‘high holiday,’ we see Tu B’Shevat as an opportunity to show students around the country the importance of participating in Israel’s future,” said Jewish National Fund-USA director, community engagement Marnie Nadolne. “Our educational materials and tree-planting competition will highlight the core values of Zionism and create a lasting connection between the next generation of Jewish leaders and the land and people of Israel.”
As the single largest provider of Israel engagement programs in the United States, Jewish National Fund-USA offers a myriad of ways to connect young American Jews to Israel, believing that investing in education is critical to creating the next generation of Israel supporters. From b’nai mitzvah projects to college alternative break programs, the organization sponsors Israel advocacy and education programs starting in kindergarten and continuing through adulthood, providing and nurturing future generations in both the United States and Israel.
To learn more about Tu B’Shevat Across America or to sign up, visit jnf.org/tbs2022.
