By
Bluth (aka Rachel Rosenbluth)
It's only an hour away from the city, but instantly we felt more calm as we began the day long brainstorming session at Bela Farm. The Shoresh staff and interns went up for a lovely day of wondering and pondering. We began with a walking tour of the Farm site, where we learned about its history, plants and animal species, structures, water sources, neighbours, and topography.
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| A Beautiful Bela Farm Moment |
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| Bela Farm's Dream Catcher (formerly a trampoline base) |
As we walked, we noticed some amazing creations that exist on the land, and drew them onto a poster Board with the passage from Psalms 104:2: "Mah Rabu Maasecha Hashem Kulam Bechachmah Asita Malah
Haaretz Kinyanecha – How great/many are Your deeds Hashem, All of them
You have made with wisdom –the earth is full of Your creations." We settled down in the grass accompanied by crickets and a warm breeze, for a small Torah study session. We explored the passage of the SHMA, discussing the profound interconnectedness which it illuminates, by connecting the awareness of the Oneness of HaShem with rains and agricultural bounty.
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| Team Shoresh 2012 |
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Brainstorming and Visioning the Possible
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Feeling connected to Jewish teachings and the land, we enjoyed our lunches, and then began a brainstorming session for Bela Farm. We came up with some great ideas including: bees, horticultural therapy workshops, brick ovens to make matzah, drum circles and music festivals! To end off the visit, we discussed the shift between Elul and Tishrei, and spent some individual alone time connecting with the majesty of the world, in preparation for the high holidays. We left excited and energized, and cannot wait until the next time we visit Bela Farm in October for Sukkot!
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| Shoresh Staff: Risa Alyson Cooper and Sabrina Malach |
