Jewish Track
Eco Practicum's Jewish Track is a two-week summer enrichment program for college students interested in examining the issues of regional environmental sustainability and community building through a cultural Jewish lens. Program participants get hands on experience farming, feeding and caring for livestock, advocating for more effective environmental policy, and creating a healthy community. In addition, they meet with and learn from national, regional, and local environmental activists, policymakers, and farmers. Participants live and farm at Camp Shomria, an educational campus located in the Sullivan County Catskill region. The experience in the field is supplemented by readings, film screenings and discussions.
| Dates
Unit 1 May 27 - June 3 Good Food For All: The Role Of Local Organic Produce in the Global Food System Unit 2 June 3 - June 10 Pets, Pests, and Livestock: The Value, Role, and Treatment of Animals |
Program Objectives
There are currently 7 billion people living on our planet, approximately four times the number of people that were alive merely one century ago. All of us, regardless of our age, race, class must eat. Now more than ever, our willingness and aptitude for responsible farming, food transport and consumption practices will determine the quality of life for all species on Earth. Through democratic education and partnerships with over 20 organizations, the Jewish Eco Practicum exposes program participants to the complexities of regional environmental issues and offers a Jewish perspective on understanding and addressing the global challenge that is feeding the entire population.
There are currently 7 billion people living on our planet, approximately four times the number of people that were alive merely one century ago. All of us, regardless of our age, race, class must eat. Now more than ever, our willingness and aptitude for responsible farming, food transport and consumption practices will determine the quality of life for all species on Earth. Through democratic education and partnerships with over 20 organizations, the Jewish Eco Practicum exposes program participants to the complexities of regional environmental issues and offers a Jewish perspective on understanding and addressing the global challenge that is feeding the entire population.
Methods
- Field Work: Participants choose their field work at the beginning of each unit; throughout the week they work directly with up to five organizations, touring their facilities, meeting with staff members and learning about how these organizations function on the ground.
- Farm Work: Participants plant and tend to a small on-site organic farm, an urban farm, and a forest garden. They also care for the farm animals, which include goats, chickens, and bees.
- Guest Speakers: Professors, professionals, and other experts in the field come to Camp Shomria to discuss the work that they do, and lead discussions about their achievements and challenges.
- Texts & Videos: Fieldwork is supplemented by readings and videos from Jewish sources ancient to contemporary.
- Participatory Education: Without Walls educators lead interactive, learned-centered discussions and group building activities to encourage critical thinking and personal connections to program content.
Topics
- (Re)Considering Kashrut
- “Eco Kashrut”
- Stewardship Versus Dominance (Over Animals)
- Pe’ah: Leaving Corners of the Field Unharvested / Feeding the World / Charity
- Kilayim: Prohibition Against Interbreeding Animals and Plants & the Question of GMOs
- Shmittah: Letting the Land Lay Fallow / Regenerating the Soil / Long-term Sustainable Farming Practices
- Orlah: Not Picking Fruit Tree for the First Three Years After It Is Planted / Patience / Working With the Rhythms of Nature
- Bikkurim: The First Fruits of the Season Belong to God / Plant One for Yourself, One for the Pests, and One for God /
Daily Schedule
Mornings are spent learning organic farming, permaculture, urban agriculture, and forest gardening techniques. Each afternoon, participants will do field work with one of our partner organizations and have candid conversations with specialists, organizers, lobbyists, politicians, farmers, and activists about their successes, their failures, and the challenges of making effective changes in the current system. Evenings are spent with readings, film screenings, and discussions.
Educational Approach
The Jewish Eco Practicum aims to create the space for shaping a creative, open, and intimate Jewish community for a group of between 10-15 students for two weeks of intensive work, education, and sharing. Through an experiential and holistic educational approach participants will learn sustainable agriculture techniques, small-scale animal husbandry, composting, and Jewish frameworks for environmental justice.
The Without Walls Facilitators are dynamic, experienced and trained to provide high-quality guidance for Eco Practicum participants. All of the facilitators are college graduates and have experience running programs in the areas of social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability. In addition, a diverse group of local, regional, and national experts - founders of the organic movement, small-scale and larger-scale farmers, activists, government representatives, and more - will give talks, run activities, and instruct participants in their fields of expertise.
Special Note on Kashrut
Without Walls and Camp Shomria pledge to purchase and prepare as much local vegetables, fruits, and meats as possible, some from the Eco Practicum's own garden. Camp Shomria serves Kosher-style food at all times, which means that unkosher meats will often not be served. In addition, meat and milk products will often not be served in the same dishes. If an unkosher dish is prepared, a kosher alternative will be made available. The kitchen at Camp Shomria does not distinguish between b'sari (meat) and chalvi (milk) pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment. If you have concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Without Walls and Camp Shomria pledge to purchase and prepare as much local vegetables, fruits, and meats as possible, some from the Eco Practicum's own garden. Camp Shomria serves Kosher-style food at all times, which means that unkosher meats will often not be served. In addition, meat and milk products will often not be served in the same dishes. If an unkosher dish is prepared, a kosher alternative will be made available. The kitchen at Camp Shomria does not distinguish between b'sari (meat) and chalvi (milk) pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment. If you have concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Questions? Contact Us.