Education at Soil and Soul
Empowering the Next Generation with Jewish Agricultural Wisdom
At the Institute of Soil and Soul, we have developed a robust and comprehensive curriculum for Jewish agriculture that brings ancient wisdom into direct relationship with the land. Our offerings are available as daylong programs or multi-week packages of five lesson plans, each tailored to meet learners where they are.
Each lesson plan integrates Jewish wisdom and values with regenerative farming to cultivate a deeper understanding of ecological responsibility, spiritual connection, and communal care. Designed for all ages, our curriculum includes a dynamic blend of text study, experiential activities, and meaningful discussion. As students grow, so do the complexity and depth of the materials—ensuring an engaging, age-appropriate experience at every level. This tiered structure makes our curriculum truly inclusive, offering a one-of-a-kind approach to Jewish learning rooted in ecological connection and hands-on practice.
how it's structured
Our curriculum is organized around three core pillars:
Cultural Identity – Reconnecting learners to Jewish values, ethics, and agricultural wisdom
Environmental Stewardship - Teaching how to care for the earth through regenerative practices
Social Justice - Grounding learning in equity, access, and shared responsibility
These pillars shape all of our educational offerings—from in-depth curriculum packages to immersive daylong field programs—ensuring that every experience is meaningful, rooted in tradition, and oriented toward action.
Whether you’re a preschool teacher introducing children to the wonder of seeds, a synagogue educator exploring the mitzvot of the land, or an adult learner deepening your relationship to food justice and farming, our curriculum adapts to meet you where you are.
Branches of Learning
Branches of Learning is our signature curriculum package, designed to bring Jewish agricultural teachings to life in classrooms, community spaces, and gardens. This program helps students connect their Jewish identity with their ecological responsibilities through hands-on learning and deep spiritual insights.
What’s Included in Each Curriculum Package:
5 Thematic Jewish Agriculture Lesson Plans
Students will explore Jewish agricultural traditions, including topics like the mitzvot of the land, Shmita, sustainable food systems, and ecological wisdom from Torah..
4 On-Site Farm Visits for Students
Immersive, hands-on farm activities where students engage in planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock, learning practical farming skills directly from the farm.
1 Off-Site Visit to Your Institution
Our educators visit your school or community space to extend the learning, offering presentations, consultations, and leadership development.
Farm and Garden Resources for Your Organization
Receive practical resources such as planting guides, seasonal charts, and templates for integrating Jewish agricultural teachings into your garden or farm program.
Hands-On Activities and Take-Home Materials
Students will create journals, guides, and resources they can continue using at home, bringing the farm’s teachings into their daily lives.
Jewish Texts, Blessings, and Ritual Integration
Bring Jewish spiritual teachings into everyday farming practices with carefully selected texts, prayers, and blessings that connect the sacred to the land.
Impact and Takeaways
By participating in Branches of Learning, students will:
• Cultivate a deeper understanding of Jewish agricultural traditions—linking Jewish texts and rituals with sustainable farming practices.
• Develop practical, hands-on farming skills—from planting to harvesting, students will gain essential knowledge for working the land.
• Learn the value of sustainability, justice, and community—understanding their role in caring for the earth and supporting social justice through Jewish teachings.
• Create lasting memories and resources—with tangible materials like farm journals and planting guides that allow students to take their learning home.
Field Days at Soil & Soul
Field Days at Soil & Soul offers an immersive, hands-on opportunity for groups to experience the intersection of Jewish wisdom and regenerative farming. These daylong programs connect students directly with the earth through meaningful agricultural tasks and meaningful discussions about Jewish values, fostering a strong sense of environmental stewardship and community responsibility.
What’s Included in Each Field Day Experience:
Guided Tour of Our Regenerative Farm
Explore our farm’s ecosystems, seasonal cycles, and regenerative practices, understanding how ecological balance and Jewish agricultural principles intersect.
Participation in Seasonal Farm Tasks
Engage in essential farm activities like planting, composting, and caring for animals, learning by doing and deepening their connection to the land.
Meaningful Discussions of Jewish Values
Discussions throughout the day connect farming tasks with Jewish teachings such as Shmita, Peah, and mitzvot of the land, providing students with a rich understanding of the relationship between faith and the earth.
Closing Circle and Reflection
Reflect together in a group circle, sharing insights, expressing gratitude, and discussing the lessons learned throughout the day.
Take-Home Materials
Students receive journals, activity sheets, and seasonal guides that help them continue learning and reflect on the day’s experience at home or within their communities.
Impact and Takeaways
Through Field Days at Soil & Soul, students will:
• Gain practical, hands-on experience—learning farming tasks and regenerative techniques that promote sustainability and environmental health.
• Deepen their understanding of Jewish agricultural laws—connecting spiritual teachings with their physical actions on the land.
• Engage in meaningful discussions about Jewish values and ecology—discussing sustainability, social justice, and environmental stewardship through the lens of Torah and Jewish tradition.
• Develop a stronger sense of community—collaborating on the farm to care for the land, animals, and each other.
• Take away resources and reflections—students will leave with materials and a lasting sense of connection to the land and their Jewish identity.
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking for a curriculum package to bring to your school or a daylong farm visit to engage your community, we’re here to help make your educational journey impactful and meaningful.
Frequently asked questions
Do we choose the lesson plans, or do you select them for us?
You’re welcome to choose! We invite you to browse our course descriptions and select the lesson plans that best fit your group’s needs and interests. If you're unsure where to start or would like guidance, we’re happy to recommend a set of lessons tailored to your age group, learning goals, and existing programming. Whether you want to focus on a particular theme or build a full arc of learning, we’ll help you craft an experience that’s both meaningful and memorable.
Once we participate in a program, how can we continue the learning journey?
Our educational offerings are designed for ongoing engagement. With 22 distinct lesson plans that integrate Jewish values and regenerative agriculture, you can continue learning with us throughout the growing season—technically spending nearly 70% of our production season on the farm if you choose a lesson each week. Thanks to our tiered curriculum, each lesson can be revisited with fresh insight and adapted to suit different age groups or developmental stages. This means your community can return again and again, deepening your connection to Jewish agricultural wisdom while staying rooted in the rhythm of the land.
My synagogue wants to start a garden (or already has one) and we need support—do you offer garden consultation services?
While we don’t currently offer garden consultation as a standalone service, support is included when you partner with us through ourBranches of Learningprogram. As part of your educational package, Soil and Soul staff will provide garden consultation, resources, and guidance tailored to your community’s needs. This allows us to ensure your garden is not only thriving, but also integrated into meaningful Jewish learning and seasonal rhythms.
How much does it cost to bring Soil and Soul to our community?
We suggest a donation of $500 per Field Day and $7,500 for our Branches of Learning curriculum packages. These suggested amounts reflect the true cost of running our programs, including staff time, materials, and farm resources. For smaller groups, we recommend Field Days as a more accessible entry point, while Branches of Learningis ideal for larger communities that can support more comprehensive engagement.
That said, we are committed to accessibility and will never turn anyone away due to cost. If these rates are a barrier, we’re happy to work with you to find a model that meets both your needs while supporting our mission.