Hazon Educational Library
Curricula, sourcebooks, and other educational resources from and for the field of Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education
This open source collection includes resources produced by individuals and organizations throughout the JOFEE field. Our Educational Library, like our community, celebrates the diversity of religious observance and thought and we make every effort to accommodate the breadth and diversity of the Jewish community in our programs and curricula. We hope you will take and use what is appropriate for you and invite others to do the same.
While this resource will continue to grow and evolve, it currently includes:
• Hazon’s Publications (available online and in print)
• Curricula produced by JOFEE Fellows during their Fellowship year
• Curricula and resources shared from partner JOFEE organizations
All materials are available for free download. Most are available for use and adaptation under creative commons license. Please cite authors and organizations on any materials used or adapted from these resources.
Use the filters in the bar below to narrow your search.
It?s All About Perspective: What Kind of Spy Are You?
This program is designed to have students deepen their connection with nature by looking at all the details and empowering them to use their positive brain instead of their negative brain. Participants will also have a greater understanding and connection to the story of the Jewish peoples first look into Israel.
Category: Nature Exploration
Age(s): Young Adult, Youth
Eco-Kosher: Innovation in Jewish Tradition through an Environmental Lens
How can we use concepts of environmentalism to augment and evolve our understanding of what constitutes kosher food? What if we draw on the concept of kashrut and go beyond it to try out a new word: eco-kashrut?
Category: Environmental Justice, Food Systems & Food Justice, Jewish Food traditions, Sustainability
Age(s): Adults
Where Does Your Food Come From?
This program will introduce participants to the Jewish brachot over food and educate them about the food supply chain.
Age(s): Young Adult
Soil Safari – Exploring the Subterra Universe
This Tamarack Camps program is an introduction into the wide array of soil types and different life forms that exist in our soil. Participants will have the opportunity to explore different soil types, learn methods of sustainable and organic farming practices and explore the Jewish connection to the soil.
Age(s): Young Adult
Jewish Journey Walk
This program was created as a non-traditional/siddur-based Zman Kodesh (sacred/prayer time) option on Shabbatonim or normal school days. The intention is to get students outside, moving/walking and connecting with each other and their environment by sharing their Jewish Journeys.
Category: Shabbat and Holidays, Spiritual Nature Experience
Age(s): High School
Jewish Medicinall Herb Learning: Flower Essences
Flower Essences is a hands-on lesson about plant medicine making for mind and spirit. Participants will learn about the history of flower essences, how it relates to Judaism, and then create their own essence with intention.
Category: Health and Wellness, Herbalism & Wild Edibles, Jewish Agricultural Traditions, Spiritual Nature Experience
Age(s): Adults
Judaism and Immigration Justice – What the Book of Ruth has to Teach
This program will be a poetry workshop preparing teens or adults for Tikkun Leil Shavuot (all night studying) through an immersive and meaningful poetry workshop.
Category: Shabbat and Holidays, Social Justice
Age(s): Adults, High School
CIT Teen Leadership Institute Spring Retreat
This Urban Adamah CIT leadership retreat is meant to connect CITs for summer camp to the farm, build and foster community, strengthen their connection to earth-based Judaism, and provide deeper leadership training.
Category: Food Systems & Food Justice, Group-building, Jewish Agricultural Traditions, Social Justice
Age(s): High School
Passover on the Farm
This program was designed for families with young children to connect with each other, their community, and the earth through multi-sensory activities centered around Passover and the coming of spring.
Age(s): Early Childhood with Parents
Nature Olympics
This Maccabiah-style evening program is an active, action-packed competition that allows campers to practice new skills, work together on teams, and learn about plants and animals.
Age(s): Middle School
The First Cheese
Participants will learn to make ricotta cheese from fresh goat milk, while digging into various Jewish and secular texts, guided by the question: ?Why do we eat dairy on this holiday??
Category: Food & Climate, Jewish Agricultural Traditions, Jewish Food traditions, Shabbat and Holidays
Age(s): Adults
Garden Shabbat
This program is an introduction to the intersection of Judaism and agriculture, woven through the experience of a Shabbat dinner with blessings, food, conversation Jews as a people of the land.
Age(s): Adults
Topsy Turvy Bus
This curriculum engages students with the Topsy Turvy Bus and its sustainable attributes and teaches about sunlight and vegetable oil as alternative energy sources.
Age(s): Early Childhood, Middle School
DIY Yad Whittling
This curriculum has instructions for how to whittle a yad, and is introduced with education about how a Torah is made.
Category: Crafting + DIY
Age(s): Middle School
Sweet as Honey
This curriculum introduces honey, honeybees, and their connection to Jewish tradition.
