Shmita, the Sabbath of the Land, and other Ways Judaism Guides our Growing

This event is part of the The Maine Conference for Jewish Life.

This year is shmita, meaning “release,” also referred to as “the sabbath for the land”. According to Jewish law farmers are meant to “release” their land every seven years, take an agricultural sabbatical and let their fields lie fallow. What can we learn from these teachings? What could this look like in Maine? How do Maine farmers already utilize aspects of shmita? Might lessons of shmita reflect a vision for a healthier and more fair food system for all of us?

Join Adam Nordell, of Songbird Farm, MOFGA staff member Elizabeth Lucy, and other Jewish members of the MOFGA farming community as they discuss the intersection of farming, Maine and Judaism as it relates to agricultural practices related to rest and respectful engagement with the land. Together we will consider how Judaism plays a part in our growing practices and explore how we may be able to adapt and integrate principles of shmita into our everyday lives. 

See a beautiful reflection on the previous shmita year (2014) by former MOFGA staff member, farmer and current NOFA-VT Executive Director Grace Oedel.

REGISTER HERE.

Questions? Please email [email protected]