Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Last month, the students at the Jewish Academy of Orlando celebrated Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish New Year for the trees. Tu B'Shevat is often referred to as "Jewish Arbor Day" and the students at the Jewish Academy used this holiday to integrate their learning about Jewish traditions, Israel as well as the environment. As part of their celebrations, the 4th grade students performed a musical production in Hebrew explaining the holiday, and the students planted saplings to make their own connection to nature. A special thank you to grandfather Laurence Morrell (Nathan, 5th Grade) for providing the saplings for our students. At the Jewish Academy of Orlando, we see the use of active learning, learning that strives to more directly involve students in the learning process, as the most effective teaching method. This year's Tu B'Shevat celebrations allowed the students to actively engage in the learning process and create meaningful connections to the world around them.

For more information about the Jewish Academy of Orlando or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Alan Rusonik, Head of School, at arusonik@myjao.org or 407-647-0713.