The JCC’s Go Yarok! initiative seeks to connect people of all ages and backgrounds to the Jewish values of “shomrei adamah” (guarding the earth) and “tikkun olam” (repairing the world). The program offers opportunities for service learning, community gardening and exploring Asheville’s natural resources, as well as inter-generational and cross-cultural connection.
Go Yarok! offers program participants educational activities and discussion groups as well as the opportunity to contribute to and experience the JCC garden, visit local farms and volunteer in environmental service projects throughout the community.
What’s Jewish about protecting the environment?
In Shalom Children’s Center, through our environmental education programming, we teach our children about Kavod (Respect) and Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World). Our award-winning garden curriculum connects students to nature, food and the ancient agricultural cycles which have set the rhythm of Jewish life for millennium.
Coming soon: multi-generational programming that explores the connection between Judaism and environmental stewardship through education, service and fun!
Please take our very brief survey about what kinds of environmental programming you would like to see at our Asheville JCC. Provide your email address at the end of the survey and we will contact you as new programs are scheduled.
The Asheville JCC is Composting for a Better World!
We are partnering with a great local company-Danny’s Dumpster. Danny’s Dumpster will pick up our food and paper waste, bring it to their facility and turn it into nutrient rich compost which then goes back into our local gardens.
By involving our children in the composting process, they experience a concrete way to help repair the world. Composting connects the cycles of growing and eating food with decomposition and nutrient recycling. The compost we generate will come back to us to help our children grow more food in their gardens.
Want to be involved in the direction and planning for our Environmental Programs? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Justin Greenbaum: VolunteerC@jcc-asheville.org).
By Jacqui Childs, Early Childhood Education Program Manager & Garden Specialist