“As my forefathers planted [trees] for me so I too plant for my children.”
– The Talmud (Ta’anis 23)
The Story of the Forest for the Future
In 2017, Shoresh began a 20-acre reforestation project, planting 11,000 trees in Bela Farm’s Forest for the Future. Our Forest for the Future will leave future generations a beautiful native forest where they can connect to themselves, the earth, and Jewish tradition. It will also mitigate the harmful effects of excess carbon dioxide and restore important wildlife habitat.
Why We’re Re-Foresting Bela Farm
We deeply value our tree friends and all the gifts they bring to our lives. Trees bless us with food, clean air, carbon sequestration, habitat, beauty, medicine, oxygen, wood to burn, branches to climb, maple syrup and spiritual wisdom. At Shoresh, we truly are tree huggers.
In our work, we often see how ancient wisdom informs modern practice. In other words, “the old is the new.” Our ancestors understood the essential roles trees play in our lives, and we draw on their wisdom as we wait patiently (approximately 200 years!) for our Forest for the Future at Bela Farm to mature.
Ancient Wisdom & Contemporary Knowledge
- Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai taught: “If you have a sapling in your hand and someone tells you, ‘The Messiah is coming!,’ plant the sapling before greeting the Messiah.” The trees planted at Bela Farm will count toward Ontario’s mission to plant 50 Million Trees by 2025.
- Our sages were correct in thinking, “If not for trees, human life could not exist” (Midrash Sifre Deuteronomy 20:19). Trees sequester carbon, clean the air, and provide us with food and medicine. Did you know that aspirin comes from willow bark? Situated in the Ontario Greenbelt, the trees at Bela Farm provide essential habitat and contribute to $52 million in annual carbon sequestration.
- The Torah teaches, “A person is like a tree.” In 50 years, a single tree planted at Bela Farm can generate $30,000 in oxygen, recycle $35,000 of water, and remove pollutants that would cost $60,000 to eliminate from the air.
Adopt a Tree
Adopt a tree in our growing forest to contribute to its ongoing maintenance and to invest in a sustainable future. Our Adopt a Tree program offers a tangible way to mark births, B’nei Mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, and passings of loved ones.
- Adopt one native tree: $54
- Adopt three native trees: $162
- Adopt five native trees: $270
- Adopt ten native trees: $540
- Customize your donation to contribute to the longevity of our Forest for the Future.
Shoresh will email a tree adoption certificate to the honoured individual or their family acknowledging your gift. Please fill out the form completely and include any additional message you would like us to include. Each tree adoption is recorded in Shoresh’s Book of Life.
Adopting a tree supports the implementation of Shoresh’s annual Climate Action Plan. Shoresh is leading the way for our local Jewish institutions by signing onto Adamah’s Climate Leadership Coalition and creating our own action plan for our organization and community.
Tree Sponsorship Packages
Purchasing a Shoresh Tree Sponsorship Package is a powerful way for individuals, businesses, or organizations to respond to the climate crisis. With packages ranging from 10 to 150 trees, you can adopt multiple trees in honour of community members, employees, or family milestones and achievements at discounted rates.
Email cara@shoresh.ca to make your purchase, or call 416-805-8382 for more information about sponsorship options and personalized notifications.
