Madelyn Rothman, one of the founding members of CTI’s Tikkun Olam Initiative, takes advantage of a sudden warm day in spring to get a jump-start on planting at one of the shul’s designated raised beds at the Common Ground garden on the North Road in Peconic. First in the ground this year are lettuce and arugula. On the way are beans, peas, peppers, kale collards, carrots, radishes and cucumbers.

Products from the TOI’s efforts are donated to CAST, which distributes food and other essentials to families in need. The shul has received numerous letters from CAST, thanking the members and the TOI for their charitable contributions to the organization. The most recent letter is reprinted on Page 3 of this issue.

Those interested in planting and maintenance of the Common Ground beds, or in planting at home on behalf of the TOI and CAST can contact the shul at ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for the TOI. Susan Rosenstreich photo