JNF adds 'class on the grass' to Tu b'Shevat celebration

Participants in this year's Jewish National Fund community Tu b'Shevat celebration will walk along the water as they raise money to improve Israel's water supply.

Proceeds from the Jan. 23 "Walk for Water" event, which will be held at Tempe Town Lake, will benefit the JNF Parsons Water Fund, a $100 million initiative to increase Israel's supply of high-quality water by more than 440 billion gallons over the next decade. According to jnf.org, "Israel is experiencing its worst water shortage on record. ... The fund invests in a diverse portfolio of projects in Israel to create new sources of water, promote purification and recycling, improve water quality in streams and rivers, and encourage conservation through education and advocacy."

JNF has sponsored communitywide Tu b'Shevat celebrations since 2000 and last year changed the format from a festival at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall to a walk at Tempe Town Lake. It was also the first time that the celebration doubled as a fundraiser. Last year's event drew about 1,500 walkers and raised $36,600 in registration fees, sponsorships, exhibitor fees and miscellaneous donations, according to Linda Shapiro, campaign executive for JNF's Arizona region. The funds benefited Aleh Negev, a state-of-the-art rehabilitative village in Israel that provides medical care for the severely disabled.

Walkers were also able to raise money for the Jewish organization of their choice by collecting pledges directly, which can be done again this year.

A new component of this year's event is "Class on the Grass," a program for children preschool-aged through seventh grade, that will be held 10-11:15 a.m.

The preschool program, which requires parent participation, will include story time with the PJ Library, a Blue Box presentation, an art project and movement activities, according to Cantor Sharona Feller, co-chair of the walk with Rosemary Stralser; both are JNF board members. The preschoolers will then have their own walk, and each will receive a medal from members of the B'nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program.

The older children, from kindergarten through seventh grade, will rotate through age-appropriate stations led by teachers and volunteers, where they will learn about tzedakah, create a giant mural and partake in a science project and folk dancing.

So far, participating religious schools are Beth El Congregation, Temple Chai, Temple Emanuel of Tempe and Temple Solel, Feller said. Since the students will be divided by age, the children from the four schools will be together, "which I think will be a wonderful feeling for these kids," she said, because they can "see that they're part of the greater community."

Teachers from the schools involved will supervise the students from their particular school; other children are also welcome to attend, but require parental supervision, she said.

During the children's program, there will also be a separate adult-learning session taught by local rabbis, Feller said.

JNF is seeking volunteers to assist in a variety of ways, from directing parking and checking in walkers to handing out water along the route. Students from eighth grade through 12th grade who sign up to volunteer at least a week in advance can walk for free, Stralser said.

For the first time in many years, the event's tree planting will not be merely ceremonial, according to Shapiro. Instead, at around 11:40 a.m., a tree will be planted permanently in Tempe Beach Park, followed by a ceremony featuring Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman and representatives of the U.S. Forest Service, including Chief Tom Tidwell; Valdis Mezainis, director of international programs; and Jennifer Peterson, Middle East program coordinator. The Chai Tones will perform.

The walk starts at 12:15 p.m. Participants can choose from the 3.1-mile walk around Tempe Town Lake or the shorter one-mile route. The trail is handicapped-accessible and pet-friendly.

Those who don't plan to walk will still find plenty to do, Feller said. The event will include entertainment, kosher food from Levi Catering, Israeli dancing, retail vendors and organizational booths.

"To be out with community (members) from throughout the Valley is a very special feeling," Feller said. "To celebrate Tu b'Shevat, to support Israel and to support the Parsons Water Fund."

"It's going to be a wonderful communitywide event," said Stralser, "and it gives everyone the opportunity to come together to learn, to enjoy the spirit of the community and the great weather."

Details

* What: Tu b'Shevat community Walk for Water

* Who: Jewish National Fund

* When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

* Where: Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue

* Cost: $18 in advance, $25 day of event; a family registration of $50 is available by calling JNF in advance at 602-277-4800

* Register: jnf.org/azwalk