Gan Sinai – The Garden of Sinai
When I (Rabbi Fine) worked at Camp Shemesh in Amherst years ago, we created a fantastic vegetable garden that our campers planted, tended and harvested. It was a great opportunity to teach the kids about Jewish values related to food and the earth. Each week we harvested food and gave it to a local shelter in keeping with Jewish agricultural laws connected to taking care of those in need. Our tradition is rooted in agriculture, and there is a growing movement of Jews reclaiming our connection with the land and the process of growing food. A vegetable garden is a great opportunity for kids and adults to learn and foster a deeper connection with Judaism and the natural world.
Gan Sinai is now in full swing. More and more members are coming out to help care for our menorah shaped garden. We’re growing peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, watermelons, beans, squash, herbs, peas, flowers, onions, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, garlic, swiss chard and more…!!!
Stay posted for upcoming garden events, and come check out the garden anytime, it’s right below the synagogue.
