JTS Celebrates Earth Week

"The Jewish Theological Seminary has reaffirmed its sustainability goal of becoming a more environmentally conscious institution. With our daily and consistent efforts, we can make it possible for our families and all future generations to thrive and prosper."

— Chancellor Arnold Eisen


Learn How JTS Is Going Green

Sign the JTS Sustainability Pledge

Springtime at JTS—A Collection of Photos

Earth Week Activities for Families: Plant a Kitchen Forest

Help JTS Continue Its Environmental Efforts


JTS Goes Green

"When God created the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: 'Look at my works! See how beautiful they are—how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy My world; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it.'"

— Midrash Kohelet Rabbah 1 (on Ecclesiastes 7:13)

For generations, the JTS emblem of the Burning Bush has stood for academic rigor and deep religious expression. It is time to add a new layer of meaning to this potent symbol: a commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Across the institution, we have taken many steps to ensure that we lead the way in eco-conscious projects, pursuits, and programming.

Learn about how our community is working to create a more earth-friendly institution by visiting JTS Green Initatives.

Sign the JTS Sustainability Pledge

We invite you to sign the JTS Sustainability Pledge and commit to becoming more environmentally conscious. Our pledge also includes helpful resources to assist in your efforts.

Springtime at JTS—A Collection of Photos

Enjoy photographs of JTS in bloom.

Earth Week Activities for Families

Plant a Kitchen Forest

Garlic Cloves

  • Peel two garlic cloves.

  • Gently stick three toothpicks about halfway up each clove so that the clove can rest suspended in water in a shallow bowl or saucer.

  • The flat end of the clove should be in the water and the more pointed end facing up.

  • Within a week, you will see roots growing out into the water and shortly thereafter green shoots will sprout from the top.

Fruit Seeds

  • Save seeds from citrus fruits—grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and lemon—and soak them overnight.

  • In a shallow tray or box, plant the seeds one inch apart in about an inch and a half of soil. You can make a sign for each seed with a popsicle stick.

  • Water lightly, put the whole container in a plastic bag, and tie it closed. This keeps the soil moist and makes a mini-greenhouse.

  • Put in a sunny location. Do not open or water. In about two weeks you should see seedlings.

  • When they're about two inches tall, transplant each one to a larger pot.

Popcorn

  • Take a few kernels of popcorn and place them in a clear plastic cup or glass jar with some pieces of wet paper towel.

  • Position the kernels of corn so they are between the sides of the cup and the paper towel. (This will give you a good view of the kernels as they grow.)

  • When leaves appear and have grown more than an inch over the top of the container, transplant the shoots into a pot and they'll continue to grow.

 

Give to JTS

Your gift will make it possible for JTS to fulfill its mission of educating the best and brightest students and continue its ongoing work in making our institution environmentally friendly.