Let it Grow….Let it Grow
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
| A disproportionate number of the 613 commandments found in the Torah relate to laws of agriculture: mainly reaping, planting and harvesting. How we nourish ourselves, the rules of sabbatical years for vegetation, leaving the corners of our fields for the hungry and letting the fruits fall for the impoverished are core to our care for the other and having a mindset of the community in all of our actions.
This year, inspired by colleagues around the country and with the resources of our amazing Sisterhood, Temple Emanu-El has planted a garden. We are growing peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, corn, lettuce, brussel-sprouts, herbs and some honeydew too. The garden can be found on the side of the Temple building, just north of the basketball hoop at the end of the driveway. We hope to make the fruits and vegetables available to any congregant that would enjoy them. We also are giving ALL of the excess fruits to the Closter Food Pantry and the CFA so the recipients can have fresh fruits and vegetables. We also are encouraging any green thumbed congregants to assist in the pruning and plucking of fruits and vegetables. This garden will also be a fertile place for teaching some of the biblical agricultural laws for adults and kids, alike. We are excited for this new space and opportunity for our community. Like all the seeds we plant, may they grow healthy and sweet fruits for us to all enjoy. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner |