With the Shmita cycle of seven years comes new ways for our Jewish community to rest our lands & food-ways, release those in debt or servitude, and restore a sustainable way of life. “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall observe a Shabbat of the Lord. (Vayikra, Parshat Behar, 25:1-7)
With the support of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Impact Fund, our congregation is hosting observances, study, and activities all through this Shmita year. Details are below.
For information on how to get involved in Shmita and Food, Land and Justice programs, and to be a contributor or
volunteer for the Jewish Food Festival (projected for June of 2015) contact Carole Caplan at caplan.carole@gmail.com, and Idelle Hammond-Sass, hammond_sass@msn.com. For information on Shmita study, contact Marcy Epstein at dr_marcy@hotmail.com.
Brucha for Shmita
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to observe Shmita.
- With blessing(s) we rest the land, renewing our connection to the earth & each other.
כן יהי רצון
- With gratitude we share our abundance & are fulfilled.
כן יהי רצון
- With strength we mend our relationships & obligations, releasing all from bondage.
כן יהי רצון
Date Event
Sept. 14
Elul 5774Food, Land, and Justice
Trip to Detroit’s D-Town Farm and Eastern Market
(Washtenaw Jewish News write-up here)
Sept. 21
Elul International Day of Peace
Gathering
Roundtable on Shmita & Public Commons
Library Lane, 10-11am
Sept. 24
Tishrei 5775
Rosh Hashanah Teaching & Shmita Seder
High Holiday services
Oct. 4
TishreiShmita begins
Yom Kippur Study Session
“From This Day Released: Personal & Societal Debt Forgiveness”
High Holiday services
Oct. 11-12
Tishrei – Sukkot
AARC Retreat Multigenerational Study & Workshop
“Where the Harvest Comes From”
Emrich Retreat Center (Click here for more info)
Oct. 19
Tishrei Joint program with Legacy Land Conservancy's Annual Fall Bus Tour & AARC/Pardes Hannah
“Land Conservation through a Jewish Lens”
REI Commons, 11am-4pm, RSVP required (Click here for more info)
Dec. 7 St. Joe's Farm Tour with Dan Bair & Panel
“From Farm to Hospital, School and Institution"
Food, Land & Justice event, 1-3:30pm, RSVP required
More info here.
Feb. 3
Tu B’ShevatTu B’Shevat Potluck/Seder
March 15
AdarEdible Home Landscapes. In honor of Shmita and Tu B'shevat
Food, Land and Justice event, JCC
April 12
NissanBehind the Kitchen Door.
Join AARC for this program with COLORS, Detroit
June 14
Sivan-TammuzFarm Education and Sustainable Food Fest, Mathei Botanical Gardens
Sept.
Tishrei 5776Close of Shmita ritual