As the frost settles over the Front Range, the Boulder JCC is inviting its youngest community members and their caregivers to find warmth, connection, and a touch of nature at the Milk and Honey Farm. This January, the farm will host two distinct "Farmside Shabbat" events, blending Jewish tradition with hands-on agricultural exploration.
The programs take place at the campus's 2+ acre educational sustainable Milk and Honey Farm. Known for its geodesic dome greenhouse, friendly goats, and commitment to donating thousands of pounds of produce to local food banks, the Farm serves as a living classroom where Jewish values meet environmental stewardship.
Monthly Farmside Shabbat: A Morning of Song and Sunshine
Starting Friday, January 9, from 9:30 to 10:15 am, families with children aged 0–5 are invited to the Monthly Farmside Shabbat. This recurring celebration is designed to be an open, inclusive environment where children can engage with the upcoming day of rest through all five senses.
Participants can expect a lively "Shabbat Sing" session, a story reading, and a guided exploration of the farm, with traditional blessings over the candles, challah, and grape juice. This offers a gentle introduction to Shabbat rituals in a setting that celebrates the natural world.
Monthly Hebrew Farmside Shabbat: An Immersive Cultural Experience
Two weeks later, starting on Friday, January 23, from 9:30 to 10:15 am, the farm shifts its focus to language and heritage with Hebrew Farmside Shabbat. While the format mirrors the monthly program, the entire session—including songs, stories, and farm exploration—is conducted in Hebrew, in partnership with the Israeli American Council.
This immersive experience is ideal for families looking to strengthen their children's connection to the Hebrew language in a fun, low-pressure environment. Whether your family is fluent or just beginning to learn, the program emphasizes community and joy through cultural immersion.
Event Logistics and Weather
Both events are free to the public, but advance registration is required through the Boulder JCC website. Programs are typically held outdoors just east of the Barn or inside the climate-controlled geodesic Growing Dome greenhouse. In the event of extreme weather, the Boulder JCC will provide location updates via email to registered attendees.
As the Boulder JCC is a pet-free campus, only service animals are permitted. Families are encouraged to park in the gravel lot and come prepared to get a little "farm dirty" as they celebrate the intersection of faith, family, and the earth.