December 13th, 2011, opening 'Edible Garden' project at Chazan Ovadiah school

Over Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, Bet Moriah launched the second Edible Garden in an elementary school.  Based on the first Edible Garden model that was developed at the Winnipeg Community Action Center in October 2010 for populations at-risk, this therapeutic garden will be used as a tool to educate and empower both the children and their parents. The focus will be on nutrition, agriculture, environment and ecology from the Jewish perspective. Partners in the project include The Asper Foundation, Netafim Ltd., the Jewish National Fund and the Municipality of Beersheva.
 
The pupils will connect with the Land of Israel in a hands-on, experiential way. In the initial phase, the children will engage in both work in the garden and related studies.  In the second phase, their parents will be asked to join in the endeavor. Before their eyes the school grounds will be transformed into a beautiful green environment and the children will take full responsibility for its maintenance and upkeep.

The first school-based Edible Garden was launched two weeks ago at the Hazon Ovadia Elementary School with much fanfare. The pupils planted the hedge that defines the perimeter of their new garden while teachers provided direction and encouragement. During each stage of development in the garden, the children will learn about Jewish values, the connection to the land, the yearly cycle, healthy eating habits, history, science and math.  They will learn the importance of teamwork.  They will have a place where they can get out their energy and relax from the rigors of classic academics.  Moreover, they will have a place of their own that will bring them a sense of pride, ownership and responsibility.

During the opening ceremony Ram Haddad, the Headmaster of Hazon Ovadia, welcomed the launch of this new and innovative project at the school. He expressed his optimism that the Garden of Hope Project will become an essential tool in conveying the values of Judaism and love of the Land of Israel.
 
Shmaya Berkowitz, the Executive Director of Beit Moriah, confirmed that the program will raise awareness about the environmental, bring the community together, and teach the participants about Jewish  morals and ethics. He stated, “The opportunity to establish a framework within the school where parents and children come together to share special time, to learn and work the land together, provides a unique opportunity to enrich everyone’s lives by introducing elevated concepts of connecting to the land and related mitzvahs.”