An illustration of a woman caring with love to Soil and Soul Farm's garden full of produce.

Our Story

who we are

The Institute of Soil and Soul seeks to lead the transformative Jewish agricultural movement by offering an accessible, comprehensive approach to Jewish farming that integrates environmental stewardship, Jewish learning, and community engagement. Our vision is to create a fully operational regenerative farm and educational center where both Jewish and non-Jewish communities can reconnect with the land while addressing local food insecurity through ethical food production.

For thousands of years, agriculture has been at the heart of Jewish life—rooted in our faith, our connection to the land, and our sense of community. From the commandments of the Torah to the agricultural rhythms that shape our holidays, Judaism has always recognized the sacred relationship between human life and the earth. Yet over the centuries, exclusionary laws and social pressures gradually distanced Jews from the land, leaving agricultural work largely in the hands of others.

Where we are

In recent years, there has been a remarkable resurgence of Jewish farmers across North America. Today, approximately 14,000 Jewish farmers are leading the movement toward sustainable agriculture, weaving Jewish values such astikkun olam , bal tashchit, and shmita into their work. These farmers and organizations are helping people reconnect with the land—not only to grow food, but to rekindle the cultural bonds that have sustained the Jewish people for millennia, and to strengthen the spiritual connections that unite all of humanity.

What we do

As a regenerative farm, we seek to grow healthy soil. The erosion of topsoil is among the most imminent environmental crises humanity faces. Through cover cropping, composting, diverse crop rotations, minimal soil disturbance, and ecological design thinking, we build and preserve topsoil to ensure a resilient food system for generations to come.

As a Jewish farm, our land stewardship is guided by Jewish values and agricultural laws that shape how we grow and share food. We uphold principles of justice, rest, and renewal in our farming practices, producing organic food and ensuring fair access to those who need it most.

where we're going

Through this work, Soil and Soul trains the next generation of Jewish farmers who embody the values of sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and vibrant communal life. Our scalable model and tiered curriculum provide a replicable framework for Jewish agricultural education, designed for learners of all ages and backgrounds.

We reconnect Jews with their agricultural heritage in a time when understanding regenerative systems is more critical than ever—while sharing the universal wisdom of Jewish tradition to help confront the climate crisis. Through the Institute of Soil and Soul, we are not just cultivating the land—we are cultivating Jewish leadership and resilience, nurturing a deep, lifelong relationship between Jewish identity and the environmental principles at the heart of our heritage.

Our Team