In Judaism, nature is regarded as extremely precious and important. There are blessings over the first buds of spring and also when we eat the fruits for the first time in their season. There is even a saying that if the Messiah is coming while you are planting a tree, finish planting first and then go and greet the Messiah, because Judaism believes so strongly in taking care of the world for the next generation. 

In this spirit, tenth graders from the Jacob Sapirstein “Ariel” High School for Boys in Ramot, Jerusalem, rolled up their sleeves this week and volunteered to rehabilitate a local public garden.

The specific park was suggested by representatives of the community administration and coordinated by the “Friends of Juha” organization; OTS  students contributed their natural enthusiasm, great outdoor improvement ideas and of course the elbow grease… and the results were incredible!