Tu B’Shevat: Our Grade 5s Write

by Solel Announcements, February 13, 2018

Our Grade 5 Class at Bet Sefer Solel recently observed Tu B’Shevat – the New Year of Trees – by writing to the Prime Minister about this holiday and their ideas for making Canada a greener place. Our students are learning all about Tikkun Olam – mending the world. These are their letters:


Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

My name is Sarah, I am in my 11th year. My classmates at Bet Sefer Solel and I just celebrated Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish celebration of trees.

We are giving you these letters because we are concerned about trees. There are a few things we would like you to consider.

1. No clear cutting: Instead of clear cutting we could do more responsible forestry. An example is only to cut down some trees, leaving the eco system.
2. Only plant native trees.

Thank you for considering these ideas.

Sincerely,
Sarah


Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

I am in grade 5 at Bet Sefer Solel in Mississauga. Tu B’Shevat just passed and it is about celebrating trees. We have learned about deforestation and native trees.

I am concerned that we may be removing too many trees without replanting them. I am also concerned that when we remove trees we are removing the forest life, especially since forests are vulnerable ecosystems that take a long time to repair.

I think that the government of Canada should focus more on responsible forestry, and not on clear cutting. I think you should raise taxes on industries who clear cut and help support responsible forest management. I think that we could raise awareness in schools about trees and forestry practices.

Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter.

Sincerely,
Gabby


Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

I am an 11 year old girl in Bet Sefer Solel. Yes, I am Jewish! I’m writing to you to let you know about the importance of trees. No, this is not a protest. I have just celebrated a Jewish holiday, Tu B’Shevat.

I am concerned that too many trees are being cut. I know that we cannot stop forestry but I hope that we can be good forest stewards.

I live in Mississauga and although there are many frustrations, I am happy you are our Prime Minister. I hope you read this letter.

From,
Aviva, your biggest fan!


Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

My name is Eliana. I am 10 years old and I am a student in Bet Sefer Solel. In Bet Sefer Solel I learned that Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish celebration that began on Tuesday January 30, 2018 this year.

What is Tu B’Shevat?

Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish Celebration about trees. I think that in Canada we should plant more trees. Here are some reasons why:

Reason 1
If companies want to cut trees, they could ensure that animal habitat is protected.

Reason 2
Forestry can be disruptive to natural habitat for animals, birds and insects.

What can we do?

We can plant more trees. This would help because planting trees would create natural habitat for animals. Trees also make oxygen.

Sincerely,
Eliana


Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

I am in Grade 5 and 11 years old. I go to White Oaks Public School and live in Port Credit, Mississauga.

I am writing out of concern for the amount of trees that are being cut down. We need the trees to breathe, and for animal habitat. I know Canada tries to replant trees that have been cut down, but it is not like another forest will magically appear when you plant a tree.

I think companies should be charged for cutting down trees and everybody should be encouraged to plant trees.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Samson

Filed under: Reflections

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