Judaism is rife with mitzvot about caring for the Earth: sh’mirat ha-teva (guarding nature), yishuv ha’aretz (living on the land in a symbiotic way) and ba’al tash’chit (not wasting or destroying anything useful, which originated from a law forbidding the cutting down of fruit trees), just to name a few. These values encourage us to coexist with nature in a mutually beneficial way and to protect our environment all year long, which is emphasized this Earth Day, April 22.
In the spirit of these values and Earth Day, we invite you to register for one of the volunteer opportunities below that will help restore and conserve local nature. All of these projects will take place on Sunday, April 23 during the Jewish Federation’s Community Mitzvah Day in honor of Israel's 75th birthday.
Cemetery Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Har Jehuda Cemetery
Join fellow volunteers for a fun, inspiring “Friends of Jewish Cemeteries” (FJC) Har Jehuda Cemetery Clean Up. Help turn the tide of despair due to years of neglect, unstable ground, broken and fallen headstones. Volunteer participation supports descendants, community members, and neighbors along with those at rest. Activities will include cutting overgrowth (e.g., vines, weeds, etc.), trash pick-up, and raking. Tools will be provided. Bring garden clothes, gloves and a hat. This volunteer opportunity is recommended for age 12 and up. To register, click here.
Cemetery Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Har Nebo Cemetery
Join fellow volunteers for a fun, inspiring “Friends of Jewish Cemeteries” (FJC) Har Nebo Cemetery Cleanup. Help turn the tide of despair due to years of neglect, unstable ground, broken and fallen headstones. Volunteer participation supports descendants, community members, and neighbors along with those at rest. Activities will include cutting overgrowth (e.g., vines, weeds, etc.), trash pick-up, and raking. Tools will be provided. Bring garden clothes, gloves and a hat. This volunteer opportunity is recommended for age 12 and up. To register, click here.
Community Trail Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Participants will clean the walking path that encircles the JCC campus for community use. The beautification of the path was started last year and, once completed, will be a beautiful asset for those visiting the JCC to walk, run and stroll in the surrounding nature. Volunteers should be prepared to be outside for several hours, come wearing long pants, long sleeves and be available to do yard-like work. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair: Arboretum Restoration
April 23, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ambler Arboretum of Temple University
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at the Ambler Arboretum by helping to replant and revitalize spaces damaged from the 2021 tornado. Projects may include tree planting, general garden cleanup and planting garden spaces. To register, click here.
Mitzvah Fair: Park Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
High School Park
Come and be part of caring for High School Park, which includes 11 acres right in the center of Elkins Park! Volunteers will help with weeding, spreading wood chips and mulch, collecting trash, sweeping the long stairs and planting some of the new gardens. There will be projects for all ages and abilities! To register, click here.
Greening Greenfield School Yard Cleanup
April 23, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Albert M. Greenfield School
Join us as we clean up the play yard at Greenfield, a public elementary and middle school. Spend the morning in the heart of the city as we give back to our community by taking care of our public spaces. Come help maintain and beautify the yard, ensuring that it is clean and welcoming for kids to play. To register, click here.
Honoring Our Elders and Making Our World Beautiful
April 23, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Horsham Center for Jewish Life
Join community volunteers and nursing home residents for intergenerational mitzvah activities. Volunteers will work together to assist in beautifying the outside garden area at the center. Additional activities may include making glass tile stepping stones, mural painting, and decorating and planting flowers in flower pots. In addition, the program will include storytelling and singing. Masks are required for indoor activities. To register, click here.
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Ready to do some good for your neighborhood? Click here to sign up for one of the Jewish Federation’s Israel 75 Community Mitzvah Day volunteer opportunities.