By Ashley Zlatopolsky
Feb 24, 2026
The community-wide seder at the Samantha Woll Center
From multigenerational seders to woodland walks, the organization highlights environmental stewardship and Jewish traditions.
A snowy woodland walk in partnership with Adat Shalom
Adamah Detroit marked Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, with a full slate of programs celebrating nature, environmental stewardship and a connection to the land of Israel.
Observed as a day of ecological awareness, Tu B’Shvat traditionally centers on trees and planting, underscoring Jewish values of sustainability and care for the Earth. This year’s celebration brought together multiple community partners for events designed to engage participants of all ages.
Programming included a snowy woodland walk in collaboration with Adat Shalom Synagogue, a children’s Tu b’Shevat seder with Temple Kol Ami, a Tu B’Shvat celebration with Dor Hadash religious school at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and a community-wide Tu B’Shvat seder at the Samantha Woll Center for Jewish Detroit.
“Collaboration is key to the work we do,” says Julie Rosenbaum, Adamah Detroit program manager. “Our mission is to cultivate vibrant Jewish life and a deep connection with the Earth.”
A MultiGenerational Celebration
The community-wide Tu B’Shvat seder at the Samantha Woll Center for Jewish Detroit drew participants of all ages for a multigenerational evening of learning, conversation and a traditional sit-down meal.
“It was a really nice opportunity to deepen connections to Judaism and to the environment,” Rosenbaum says.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Community,” guided the experience, with community leaders leading guests through the seder and offering insights and teachings from their respective organizations.
The kids’ seder at Temple Kol Ami
Adamah Detroit also hosts an ongoing Walking Toward Shabbat program, which invites community members to take guided walks through local parks and natural spaces.
The Tu B’Shvat walk featured Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch of Adat Shalom Synagogue, who shared a d’var Torah focused on the holiday’s teachings and environmental values.
A youth-focused Tu B’Shvat seder also provided Metro Detroit’s youngest community members with an engaging entry point into the environmental holiday.
Hosted at Temple Kol Ami, the program introduced children to Tu B’Shvat traditions through an interactive seder highlighting the fruits of the tree and the Seven Species of Israel, or the seven agricultural products referenced in the Torah.
Dor Hadash religious school at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue also enjoyed a Tu B’Shvat celebration organized by Adamah Detroit.
“It was a kid-friendly way to highlight what this time of year represents,” Rosenbaum says.
Looking Ahead: Spring Break Camp Days
Later this spring, Adamah Detroit will launch a new initiative, Adamah Adventures: Spring Break Camp Days, offering engaging, nature-based childcare during public school and day school spring and Passover breaks.
Registration is now open for the program, which runs March 30-April 7 and is geared toward students in grades 4-7. The cost is $85 per day, with limited scholarships and sibling discounts available.
Campers will take part in outdoor exploration, nature-based games, off-site field trips, garden planting and team-building activities, along with open-ended nature stations that allow participants to choose their own experiences.
Each day of camp will also earn students at least one hour of environmental service work.
Through hands-on activities and outdoor learning that build on its earlier Tu B’Shvat programming, the initiative advances Adamah Detroit’s mission to cultivate environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious Jewish leaders.
Read article on thejewishnews.com