Abstract
Herbal medicine, native ecological design, and Judaism come together in a study that explores the links between women and natural healing. This presentation will focus on my experience as an intern at Kayam Farm, a Jewish Educational Farm in Reisterstown, Maryland. The history of the four Hebrew Matriarchs, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, is steeped with trials and tribulations, celebrations and tradition. My internship allowed for me to explore this history and develop an herbal guide to the Matriarchs Orchard. The orchard has been planted as a space for women to celebrate the cycles of life. Our implementation of the project seeks to maintain harmony between people, culture, and the Earth as well as an integration of mind body and spirit in order to maintain a healthy garden and healthy selves. This project has developed from the desire to connect contemporary people with the tradition of their ancestors in a symbolic gesture towards the agrarian lifestyle that was once the basis of the Hebrew culture.
Recommended Citation
Aronoff, Arielle
(2012)
"Reflections on the Matriarchs’ Orchard: An Alternative Understanding of Jewish Women and Environmentalism,"
Proceedings of GREAT Day: Vol. 2011, Article 1.
Available at:
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/proceedings-of-great-day/vol2011/iss1/1