This Sunday marks the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, otherwise known as the “Feast of Weeks” and one of three pilgrimage festivals that include Pesach and Sukkot. Not only is it a celebration of the anniversary of the day the Torah was given at Mount Sinai, but Shavuot is also one of Judaism’s agricultural holidays, commemorating Israel’s first fruits (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates, which were delivered to the Temple in Jerusalem by farmers in ancient Israel to give thanks to G-d). The Jewish Federation is proud to support Shemesh Enterprises, one of our community’s most life-changing agricultural endeavors.
A pillar of the Shalom Institute, Shemesh Enterprises is an inclusive social enterprise that is partially run by “Farm Fellows,” young adults (ages 18 through their 30s) of differing abilities through employment and social connections. Whether it’s harvesting and planting on Shemesh Organic Farm, serving as sales associates at farmer’s markets or baking, the Fellows each have a role to play in the business of the farm. Some choose to volunteer but most are paid employees of Shemesh. “There’s a lot of pride that these young adults have in coming to work and being a part of building the business,” said Michelle Cait, Director of Shemesh Enterprises. “They get so much self-fulfillment being in nature and working with the earth.”
Fellows bake challah, cookies and banana bread using eggs from chickens from the farm. They make bath salts and table salt. They grow an incredible variety of plants and herbs, including aloe vera, rosemary, lavender, verbena, mint, sage and a unique pink pepper, which they are making available to sell fresh to kosher caterers as well as farm-to-table restaurants in the Malibu area. They also harvest grapefruit, oranges, lemons, figs and pomegranates they sell to farmer’s markets in Brentwood, Encino and Woodland Hills. They even donate some of the farm’s produce to our Federation’s partner JFS { SOVA Community Food and Resource Program, which in turn supports families in need.
“Rather than fitting the Farm Fellows into our box, we see what it is that they love to do and what their strengths and skills are and tap into those instead,” said Michelle. “They integrate with the community, find their purpose, get empowered and work toward independence.”
Many of the young adults employed by Shemesh have never had a job before. By performing their duties at the farm, they build the confidence they need to interview for outside employment as well. Michelle is full of pride when she shares the story of how one of the Fellows is now working part-time at Dodger Stadium — and still works part-time at Shemesh as well.
In addition to confidence and employment experience, Fellows gain a greater understanding of Jewish history and culture. “We pay attention to the seasons and the Jewish holidays and what we harvest at different times,” said Michelle. “It matches up with the Jewish calendar.”
With grants from The Jewish Federation and Valley Alliance and a Cutting Edge Grant from The Jewish Community Foundation, Shemesh Enterprises has expanded its working community to include approximately 30 Fellows. “We are thrilled to partner with and see the growth and impact that Shemesh Enterprises has made in just a few years,” says Miriam Maya, Director of Federation’s Caring for Jews in Need Strategic Initiative. “Partnering with the Shemesh Farm Fellows is just one example of Federation’s efforts to create opportunities that are inclusive of people of all abilities.”
At Shavuot and all year round, The Jewish Federation is proud to partner with the Shalom Institute and Shemesh Enterprises. It’s all a part of our commitment to building a a stronger, more dynamic Jewish community — here in L.A. and beyond!
Happy Shavuot! This year, we hope you support and enjoy Shemesh at a farmer’s market near you soon!
