This past year, two Boulder JCC Farmers had the opportunity to deepen their personal and professional growth through immersive experiences rooted in Jewish learning, environmental stewardship, and community building—both hosted by Adamah, a national Jewish environmental organization. With fresh inspiration and ideas to cultivate within our own community, these experiences reflect the Boulder JCC’s commitment to investing in staff as not only farmers, but also as educators, leaders, and changemakers.
Farmer Talia’s Journey: A Retreat into Nature and Jewish Learning
Talia attended the “Retreat Yourself” program at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in Connecticut, the headquarters of Adamah. Designed for Jewish educators from diverse backgrounds, this intimate retreat hosted about 20-30 participants, including teachers, rabbis, camp professionals - and just one farmer: Talia.
The setting itself set the tone for reflection and renewal. Nestled among forests, lakes, goats, yurts, and open-air pavilions, the campus offered an “adult summer camp” atmosphere that blended fun with thought-provoking learning.
“It was a beautiful environment,” Talia shared. “Everything was lush, soft, the soil was dark and moist—it made you want to connect deeply with nature.”
Jewish learning was central, with sessions exploring questions like “What is nature?” and examining Jewish texts that reflect the deep relationship between Judaism and the land.
“Being in a space with like-minded professionals, all connected through Jewish values and a love of nature—it was a great reminder of how important community is,” Talia reflected. “And it reignited how central nature is to Judaism.”
Talia’s participation was supported by Farmer Becca, a former Admah Farm Fellow, now a leader within the Adamah network, emphasizing the strong pipeline of mentorship and growth fostered by these programs.
Farmer Becca’s Mission: Planting Seeds of Peace and Innovation in Israel
Becca, representing the Boulder JCC and a national leader in the Jewish Environmental Movement, participated in the “Peoplehood and Planethood” Israel Mission—an educational experience that brought together Jewish environmental leaders from across North America to explore sustainability efforts in Israel.
For Becca, who had studied in Israel two decades ago, the experience was both a homecoming and a revelation. She saw firsthand how environmental projects she once researched—like algae-based wastewater purification—are now globally implemented solutions.
“It was incredibly powerful to see that work come full circle,” she said. “Especially in a time when it feels easy to be disconnected, this trip brought a renewed sense of responsibility for Jewish peoplehood and the planet.”
The group of 45 participants ranged from young professionals to seasoned leaders, including Adamah staff, board members, and supporters. They explored groundbreaking projects like the Arava Institute, which fosters peacebuilding through environmental cooperation, and visited a South Tel Aviv neighborhood that created its own local currency, Shapira Lira, to reward residents for food waste recycling.
“This wasn’t just a trip about content,” Becca said. “It was about living the values we talk about—through joy, connection, and purpose.”
She returned not only with new technological ideas for off-grid systems and educational gardens, but also with a refreshed vision for bringing people together across political and cultural divides.