The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore serves as a common meeting ground for all Jews, respecting diversity of thinking and expression. In keeping with its Jewish values, the JCC is committed to enhancing the general welfare of the total community.

On Martin Luther King Day, students from the Jewish Community Center's Kids Center participated in a Tu B'Shevat Handmade Papermaking activity as a part of their School's Out Day. Tu B'Shevat is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the springtime in Israel. Although it takes place in the depths of winter in Baltimore, it is a day that encourages everyone to take responsibility for the environment and also to remember that spring is on the way.

This papermaking activity was a community effort. The handmade paper was made from recycled office paper that was collected by JCC staff. It was then shredded and blended into paper pulp. Mixed in with the paper pulp were wildflower seeds of native Israeli plants that would also grow in Baltimore. The sections of handmade paper were handed out to the Jewish Community on January 27th, the actual day of Tu B'Shevat. Participants could plant the paper and it would grow.

Led by CAC members, the Kids Center kids loved learning how to make paper. They enjoyed the wet, messy process. Besides making seed paper that was to be distributed to the community, each child was able to take a sheet with them.

The excited little papermakers made this event a huge success!