Spring Break ON THE FARM
Offered in partnership with University Hillels
We’re now recruiting schools for Spring Break on the Farm 2023. If your school’s Spring Break falls over March 27 – April 2, 2023, please reach out to our Young Adult Programs Director, Kiki Lipsett.
Dig your hands in the soil for a week on the farm with us!
This renewing retreat will connect you to nature, explore topics ranging from earth-based Jewish practice to the contemporary food justice movement, and create opportunities for self-reflection and connection with others in a safe, supportive, inclusive environment. Spring Break on the Farm provides an opportunity for university students to slow down, make new friends, and build community through farming, cooking, learning, and practicing Shabbat together.
“Our students returned from Urban Adamah energized in their leadership roles on campus and even more committed to Jewish values of mindfulness, sustainability, and justice. We look forward to coming back again and again.”
— Michael Simon —
Executive Director
Northwestern University Hillel
What will I learn?
Food & Farming
Sustainable Farming Practices
Hands-On Experience Working in the Field
History of United States Food Justice Movement
Food Access & Equity
Herbalism & Herbal Medicine
Community Building
Cultivation of and Participation in an Intentional Community
Communal Cooking & Shared Meals
Teamwork in the Field
Collective Reflection, Listening & Sharing
Daily Learning Together
Jewish Tradition
& Practice
Morning Singing & Mindfulness Practice
Musical Shabbat Celebration
Eco-Kashrut – Considering Food & Ecological Issues Through a Jewish Lens
Connection Between Nature & Jewish Cycles of Time
Exploration of your Jewish / Spiritual Identity
LOGISTICS
LODGING
This program takes place at our urban farm in Berkeley, California. Participants sleep in our newly built Retreat Lodge with up to two participants per room.
FOOD
Food at Urban Adamah is delicious, abundant, and vegetarian. Most meals are prepared by students, and supervised by Hillel chaperones and Urban Adamah staff. Some of the produce used in meals comes from the Urban Adamah farm. Food is ingredient kosher, but not necessarily hechshered and not supervised by a mashgiach.
ACCESSIBILITY
Our Lodge is fully ADA accessible. This program contains several hours of manual farm labor per day, and at least one hike on unpaved terrain. The labor and hiking utilizes all parts of our bodies, so those in a wheelchair or with chronic body aches might find these components challenging. That being said, all are welcome to participate and be involved in the ways that are possible for their bodies.
SUPERVISION
Two staff chaperones from Hillel are required to attend with each group. These staff members become part of the program team and assist with program support while farming, learning, cooking, and during down time. Chaperones do not pay a participant fee but their full participation and support is required.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
All students and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted, and to get a PCR test 24-48 hours before departure. Urban Adamah will provide rapid antigen tests on site should the need arise to test. If any students test positive during the program, they will be provided with accommodations on the farm to isolate.
Fees & Booking
FEES
The cost per student for Spring Break on the Farm is $725 *
The fee covers all food, accommodations, program materials, and guest educator fees. Airfare is not included, but ground transportation (from SFO / OAK to and from the farm) is included.
There is a minimum requirement of 16 participants to run the program, with a maximum of 24 participants. Individual Hillel groups must guarantee a minimum of 16 students, or combine with another school to meet this minimum. Urban Adamah reserves the right to combine Hillel groups from different schools up to the participant maximum.
* There is no charge for Hillel staff chaperones
BOOKING
We are currently recruiting for schools to join us for our 2023 Spring Break on the Farm
If your Spring Break falls over March 27 – April 2, 2023 and you are interested in bringing a group to the farm, please reach out! If you are an individual who is not connected to Hillel or whose school does not have a Hillel and you are interested in joining this trip, please reach out! Email our Young Adult Programs Director, Kiki Lipsett.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
WEDNESday
THURSDAY
8:00 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:45
9:45 – 10:00
10:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 1:30
1:30 – 4:00
4:00 – 6:00
6:00 – 7:00
7:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
Avodat Lev (morning spiritual practice)
Break
Herbalism + Herbal Medicine
Lunch
Homesteading
Break
Dinner
Exploring relationship to land via text & art
8:00 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:45
9:45 – 10:00
10:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 1:30
1:30 – 4:00
4:00 – 6:00
6:00 – 7:00
7:00
Breakfast
Avodat Lev (morning spiritual practice)
Break
Food Justice 101
Lunch
Sadeh (farming)
Break
Dinner
Free evening to explore!
TESTIMONIALS
Katie
NorthWestern University Hillel
“My time at Urban Adamah rejuvenated me. It gave me space to connect to others, the earth, and my spirituality. I learned about the importance of food justice in ways I had never seen before. I am excited to take this positive energy back to my regular life.”
Abigail
New York University Hillel
“This spring break was a renewing retreat back to nature without excluding the outside world. We were able to explore modern topics through a spiritual lens and were able to take a closer look within ourselves in a safe, supportive environment.”
Talia
Ezra fellow | NYU Bronfman Center for Jewish Life
“Amazing. One week of profound connection to land, food, music, and gratitude inspired and grounded our students in so many ways. Rachel and her team were incredible! Our students left well equipped to transpose their UA experience to NYC living. We’ll be back next year.”
