Friday, March 29, 2024

Hillel returns to roots for fundraiser

January 11, 2001

The MSU Hillel Jewish Student Center will kick off the “Plant a Tree in Jerusalem” program Tuesday.

The program is part of a nationwide effort by the Jewish National Fund to allow Jewish college students an opportunity to feel closer to their roots in Israel.

Hillel will have tables set up at the Union, the International Center and Wells Hall on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week.

Bryan Abramson, program director at Hillel, said volunteers will be collecting money that will be donated to the organization where it will be used to plant and preserve trees in Israel.

“We hope to not only raise money but to also raise awareness,” Abramson said.

Jessamyn Ressler-Maerlender, who is responsible for environmental and community service projects at Hillel, will be heading up most of the activities for the “Plant a Tree in Jerusalem” program. She said this is something the national organization does every year and Hillel follows suit.

“They attempt to improve the environment and air quality,” Ressler-Maerlender said. “But it also allows Jewish students to recognize their roots in Israel.”

The organization has adopted the slogan “it’s not just about trees, it’s about roots,” for the program to encourage students to participate in the program by showing them it is not only about planting the trees.

Ressler-Maerlender said the program also includes a ceremony where the students plant trees on campus.

But this year is an exception.

According to the Torah, the book of Jewish law, every seven years the land must not be disturbed, and this is one of those years.

“In honor of the Torah we will not be planting trees here this year,” Ressler-Maerlender said.

“The land must lie fallow, we will be letting it rest.”

The Hillel Jewish Student Center will have tables set up on Tuesday at the Union from 12 noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday at the International Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday at Wells hall from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for anyone who is interested in making a donation or finding out more information.

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