In schools, homes, and synagogues around the world, Jewish people are celebrating the New Year for Trees. Some of the most common practices include feasting on fruit, especially grapes, olives, figs, dates, and pomegranates; singing songs; and skipping Tachnun, the prayers for forgiveness normally said as part of the morning and afternoon services.
In Jerusalem’s Eitz Chayim School, students offerred as many tree-inspired lessons as possible.
“Trees always grow higher, and so should we always strive to become better people,” reported fifth-grader Ilan Ilanowitz.
“A healthy tree produces tasty fruit,” pointed out fourth-grader Tamar Tamerstein, “and we all must provide for those around us.”
And like little saplings,” added sixth-grader Erez Erezberg, “whatever we experience when we are young will impact us deep into adulthood.”
