SHARI RAIDER samples the world’s freshest corn.

Celebrate Shabbat on the Farm

By Jewish Review Staff

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Havurah Shalom invites families to experience Shabbat on the Farm at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 25, at Sauvie Island Organics.

“We will have a chance to enjoy our brief Shabbat celebration amidst the fields of Sauvie Island Organics, said Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Havurah Shalom director of education. We will harvest and nibble carrots and corn, search for frogs and insects, play ball in the field and really be able to sing out about the beauty of creation.

Shari Raider, who co-founded the farm in 1994, said she often sees little kids make a connection to Judaism through holidays such as the harvest holiday of Sukkot. In hopes of nourishing the connection between the land and religion, this will be the third year that Raider has hosted a Havurah Shalom Shabbat event on the farm before Sukkot.

Sauvie Island Organics is located 15 miles from downtown Portland. The farm grows about 40 kinds of produce for 200 Community Supported Agriculture members and a dozen restaurants.

Families are welcome to bring babies, toddlers and older children, or just grown-ups who know how to have fun. This is a rain or shine event, so bring water, hats and a blanket to sit on.

Due to the success of the blackberry eradication projects on Sauvie Island, there won’t be blackberry picking at the farm as in past years. But the Raiders will suggest places to pick berries after the event. Families are also invited to stay and enjoy a picnic lunch on the farm or at Bybee-Howell Park, which is next to the farm.

RSVP to Havurah Shalom at  info@havurahshalom.org or 503-248-4662 by Aug. 23 with the names of children and adults and the ages of children.