'My Tree': A new way to connect with Israel

(JNS) - When I was growing up in Long Island quite a few decades ago, a common bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah gift was a certificate stating that a tree had been planted in the boy's or girl's honor. It was often accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek card, saying, "Mazel tov! Your day to water your tree is Monday."

In Israel today, it's now possible to visit "your" tree as part of a new project called "My Tree in Israel" (www.mytree.co.il), which aims to connect both Jews and non-Jews abroad by "adopting" an olive tree, grapevine or whisky cask. The idea is not only a donation, but a way for participan...