SUKKOT:

Sukkot and Ecology: Food for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet

PROGRAMS FOR SYNAGOGUES AND SCHOOLS

Visit a local organic farm: Collect natural s'chach (material for the roof of the Sukkah) and Sukkah decorations, harvest fruits or vegetables for your Sukkot meals, or fulfill the mitzvah of gleaning (donate the harvested foods to shelters/homeless programs). Invite the farmer to speak about the challenges and importance of growing healthy foods. Such a program can be complemented with the study of texts that relate to Sukkot and environmental responsibility.
For a list of organic farms in your area, visit Robyn Van En Center for CSA Resources or Alternative Farming Systems Information Center.

Sukkot Sleep-over for Youth Group: The Shabbat of Sukkot is a wonderful time to organize a synagogue sleep-over. Weather permitting, the youth group can sleep in the Sukkah, learn texts related to Sukkot and the environment, and conduct prayer services with special attention to themes of nature in the liturgy.

Invite a local organic farmer to speak at a Sukkot meal. Ask him/her to speak about the challenges of raising healthy food, and serve lunch or kiddush in the Sukkah made of at least some organic produce. You might also invite local farm workers or union organizers to speak about the risks farm workers face from pesticides and poor working conditions.

Serve organic produce at Sukkot meals, which can be found at local health food or organic food stores, as well as some conventional grocery stores.