Education on a Wider Level

Here at Adamah, the staff mainly breaks up the summer into three components- working in the field, in the cultural center, or elsewhere on campus; sessions consisting of Jewish studies, agricultural knowledge, and leadership and interpersonal skills; and field trips related to the work that we do. The education I have received here is unique beyond measure, enabling me to academically and personally grow after Adamah ends. Some things I’ve learned should have been obvious long ago, but even the most obvious things are not always realized when in a specific mind set- raised a certain way, and/ or have experiences that place us in this mindset.

I’ve learned that tomatoes should be harvested when they are 50% ripe, the Manny cucumbers when they are at least a thumb’s length and zucchini when they are at least eight inches long.

I learned that if you give a lot, you may receive a little, but even creating this connection is worth the possible lasting friendships beyond the summer.

I learned that compost must be produced through a process that combines plant and animal materials with a Carbon: Nitrogen ratio of (ideally) 30:1.

I learned that active listening entails listening to another person fully, pushing away the temptation to think about what you are going to say during their statement.

I learned that vertical farming is a skyscraper greenhouse, a system of farming that has not yet been invented, but would prevent the need to create more farmland.

I’ve learned that when a group here on a week-long retreat practicing our culture in a manner that I feel goes against what I was brought up to believe, my presence as a spectator, rather than as a participant, is possible and valid.

I learned that the focus of permaculture is not its components, but the relationships created among them by the way in which we place them in the landscape.

I learned that stepping up to take care of (sometimes another person’s) job is something each individual in a cohort understands is essential to creating and building on this community.

I learned that when working in commercial kitchen areas, food safety requires covering the head, wearing close-toed shoes, and sleeves.

I learned that the act of listening does not always require a response or express desire to suggest a solution, but sometimes specifically mandates only an ear to listen and simple acknowledgment.

Indeed, I can concur to the words of a chant at Adamah-“I can feel it in my spirit, in my body, in my soul.”

Thank you Dan Sivils and Pam Dunn for supporting my 40-mile bike ride this week by donating funds and bringing me closer to my goal of raising $1000.00 for Hazon!