Planting Community Roots

I have always thought it amazing that Jews have been celebrating trees for centuries. Having been in Israel during Tu BiShevat one year, I remember planting trees on that day. Arbor Day, an American version of Tu BiShevat, was founded in 1872 and Earth Day was founded in 1970. Tu BiShevat appears in the Mishnah and is sometimes referred to as the birthday of trees or the new year of trees. Indeed, arriving as it does in the middle of winter, after Tu BiShevat, the trees begin the new cycle of blooming.

Naples, Florida is beginning a new cycle of its Jewish community. Our new Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center is moving forward, even though it looks like nothing is happening. We’re just like the trees in January (up north), which look like they are doing nothing in January, but are actually preparing to start their bloom.

We now have zoning approval from Collier County, which is a big deal. We are in the process of ironing out the details of the site plan and the traffic flow. Then comes the building permits. So, while it looks like nothing is happening with Non Profit Org the new building, a lot is happening in preparation for the forthcoming construction that will happen, God willing.

But, like trees need water, air and sunlight, the building needs its infrastructure — sound plans, approvals and money. We have raised (at the time of the writing of this article in early December) just under $8 million. Trees planted and growing together create a forest. Our building will only be created if we have the financial support of a majority of the community.

You will use the building. You will enjoy the building. It will be your building — the building for the entire Jewish community. We need your financial support to build and support its construction and ongoing maintenance needs.

Please contact Marcy Friedland at 239- 263-4205 or mfriedland@jewishnaples.org for information or to make your contribution. We are counting on you to be the sunlight that helps grow our building, just as trees need sunlight to grow and flourish.

Like I planted trees in Israel on Tu Bishevat, you can plant your Jewish roots here in Naples with a contribution to the Capital Campaign.