The Boulder JCC is now accepting registrations for a fun filled day at Ekar Farm, Denver’s only Jewish urban farm. Taking place on October 20th from 1- 5 pm, this program will provide opportunities for families to connect with the earth, Jewish values, and one another while helping Colorado’s only Jewish urban farm fulfill its mission of harvesting wholesome, organic food for local food pantries. Participating families will experience the Jewish values of Ba’al Tashchit (not wasting), Shomrei Adamah (protecting the earth) and Tzedakah (performing acts of righteousness) by volunteering on the farm and making take-home worm composting bins. Roundtrip bus transportation between the Boulder JCC and Ekar Farm is included in the registration fee.

This event marks the second time the Boulder JCC will partner with Ekar Farm, and Aaron Ney, Executive Director, couldn’t be happier. Shares Ney, “Ekar loves hosting this type of event – JCC families at the farm, having fun together, learning about composting, and going home ready to do something different with their garbage.”

In 2013, Ekar Farm has hosted 1,500 volunteers made up of Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, boy/girl scout troops, public schools, and Sunday Schools, helping to harvest and donate 7,000 pounds of fresh, organic vegetables. This produce has been donated to four different organizations including Jewish Family Service Weinberg Food Pantry, SAME Café, Allied Jewish Apartments, and Tomchei Shabbat.

Once on the farm, families will be given a tour where they will learn about the many varieties of vegetables grown, the recipient agencies that receive this food, and what makes Ekar a Jewish farm. There will be an informative and fun presentation on the importance of worms in our ecological system, and families will make their own worm composting bins to take home and use. A healthy snack will be served and families will have the opportunity to get their hands in the dirt harvesting late season vegetables and/or prepping the farm for the wintertime.

The Boulder JCC received a Hazon mini-grant to offer this innovative program. “I was thrilled that Hazon wanted to fund the educational aspects of this program for our community,” said Boulder JCC Shalom Family Director, Shari Blake Schnee. “The event is also being co-sponsored by the Denver JCC, so if any families want to meet up with friends from Denver, invite them to register as well!” Adds Boulder JCC Assistant Executive Director, Wendy Aronson:

We expect that families will have a very meaningful experience at the farm and that will lead to increased conversations around the home about changes they might wish to make in the future. These changes will be different for every family, but might include increased involvement with Ekar or another local farm, growing food in a backyard garden next summer, or possible eating more local, organic, and seasonal fruits and veggies. We are excited to offer this event for families of children ages 3-10 and encourage all interested families to register early as spaces on the bus are limited.”

For more information or to register, visit www.boulderjcc.org.