Announcing a Board-approved, member-funded initiative called Ya’ar (Woodlands) at Beth Am Israel!
Good morning Beth Am’ers!
With deep awareness of the current difficult world events, I would like to interrupt our morning for thoughts of local, homegrown goodness.
YA’AR (WOODLANDS) at BETH AM ISRAEL
With funds already raised, we Beth Am’ers will re-imagine the ecosystem of Beth Am Israel.
Together, we will craft a nature-based play area and an outdoor woodland classroom – for individuals of all ages – that is safe, accessible, and encircled by vegetation native to our Pennsylvania home. In our center parking lot island, we will create a rain garden which will help our storm water management.
With the assistance of Refugia Landscaping, an arborist, and as many Beth Am’ers who desire to lend a hand, we will bring the awe-inspiring woodlands that we see so beautifully from our sanctuary into our physical reach – and use!
We need your hands…and your rakes! Join us.
We will make this happen on three volunteer clean-up days: September 12 (while setting up the sukkah), September 19, and October 3. Adults and older teens who wish to volunteer, well, we need you!! (Littles, we need you too…our youngest Beth Am members will help us safely arranging play areas, “native seeding” and painting — all at a later date).
- Adults & Teens – Please Volunteer. Sign up form is HERE.
- Read: Even if you can’t volunteer, please read the full details of Ya’ar (Woodlands) here.
GRATITUDE
I would like to extend a special thanks to Beth Am members from the various capital campaigns for their vision and contributions, to Rabbi David and Lori for dreaming of this version of the backwoods, to Phyllis Blumberg for her decision making to make this a long-term goal, to the Beth Am members who donated funds in the May 2021 fundraiser, to each volunteer who comes out to make this a reality, AND to each Beth Am member. It is you, our members, who provide us the reason to think creatively, who support us with your membership dues and fundraising extras, and who make this community real and a delight to BUILD MEANINGFUL JEWISH LIVES TOGETHER.
To a season of reflection, repair and renewal, to second chances, to improvements, to health,
Jackie Needleman
(She/Her/Hers)
Ya’ar (Woodlands) Sign-up: here.
