HOLIDAYS (TU B’SHEVAT)

296.439

GRANDPA'S TREE  (1986)

Gra

The story of a young American musician who arrives in Israel to participate in a Tu B'Shevat concert. Before he arrives at the concert, however, he searches for a tree his grandfather planted in a JNF forest many years ago. Study guide available.

24 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

582.16

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES  (1998)

Imp

Brief video intended for students which features kids presenting a variety of information about trees. Lively teens talk about the parts of a tree, how trees grow, how to identify types of trees, how trees help us, and the importance of planting trees and recycling paper. The video includes a film clip about how trees have changed the desert in Israel, and the work of the Jewish National Fund is described, with its address and phone number given on screen. The film ends with two songs—one about conservation, and one about trees. Note: Can easily be used by classrooms for Tu B’Shvat to reinforce the importance of trees and teach students more about them.

13 min.  AGE: 6 to 9

574.5

KEEPING THE EARTH: RELIGIOUS AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE

Kee

ENVIRONMENT  (1996)

Narrated by James Earl Jones, this video was created by the Union of Concerned Scientists to emphasize the importance of all life and inspire people to protect our environment. It includes comments from a wide variety of scientists and religious leaders who offer their perspectives on our relationship to our environment and what our obligations are towards it. Beautiful scenes of nature and animals contrast with scenes of congested urban areas—and are interspersed between commentators. Jewish participants include the Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary and a representative from the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. Study guide available. Note: A well-produced film, useful for units or discussions on Jews and the environment.

27 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

296.439

PLANTING FOR GENERATIONS  (1987)

And

Portrays tree planting in Israel while comparing Israel's trees with its people. Includes a portrayal of Project Renewal, together with the renewal of nature. Note: Should be previewed by schools for suitability; some classes may find the presentation dry.

25 min.  AGE: 12 to Adult

296.439

TREES FOR TOMORROW AND TOMORROW  (1987)

Tre

In the main story line, we see puppet Honi learning from an old man the value of planting a carob tree, even though it will not bear fruit for 70 years. This story’s Honi is based on Honi ha-Ma’agal (Honi the Circlemaker), a figure from the Talmud. The film stresses the importance of caring for future generations, the power of prayer, and the importance of doing a good deed without seeking a reward. Study guide available. Note: Teachers may wish to pair this video with the children’s book Honi the Circlemaker.

13 min.  AGE: 5 to 10

296.43

TU B'SHVAT  (Parpar Nechmad Series)  (1989)

Par           

 Israeli children's program in Hebrew which addresses Tu B'shevat with puppets, songs and stories. Two additional Parpar Nechmad shows are included on this video—Plants and Touring Israel. Note: The Hebrew spoken is intended for fluent speakers.

In Hebrew. 25 min. each show.  AGE: 6 to 10

574.5

VISIONS OF EDEN: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT  (1997)

Vis

A group of Jewish leaders and experts in the fields of science, religion and philosophy go on a retreat along the Appalachian Trail. They share their thoughts about the relationship between Judaism and the environment as they hike, camp and explore the natural world. Participants include Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Bill McKibben, Dr. Mitch Thomashow, Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard, Rabbi Everett Gendler, and individuals from the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. Note: Most of the film involves this group of people discussing Judaism and the environment in group discussions. Therefore, it will probably be of most interest to adult groups.

1 hr.  AGE: 14 to Adult