Today is Earth Day, dedicated to awareness and promotion of environmental protection, sustainability, and care of the natural world. Learn how these 10 JCCs and JCC Camps are making every day Earth Day by maintaining gardens and green spaces and using them to teach about Jewish values, feed the hungry, and offer opportunities for individuals and families to connect with the earth and its power to create.
- Peninsula JCC, Foster City, California
Nestled in the heart of the Peninsula JCC, Hamlin Garden—our Justice Garden—is more than a growing space. It’s a vibrant community hub where people of all ages connect with the earth, each other, and Jewish values. Rooted in the principle of tikkun olam (repairing the world), the garden invites participation across generations, fostering shared responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The garden plays a central role in PJCC programming, serving as an outdoor classroom, a stage for summer camp events, and a peaceful setting for Jewish holiday observances. Visitors learn about composting, seasonal crops, and sustainability.
Its Grow Justice Mural, created by over 700 community members, depicts Jewish justice themes and represents the Five Books of Moses. The mural is a visual reminder of PJCC’s collective commitment to justice and repair.
- Aaron Family JCC of Dallas, Texas
The Aaron Family JCC naturescape garden engages early childhood students in hands-on learning about sh’mirat ha-teva (protecting nature) and bal tashchit (leave no trace). Through exploration, children develop curiosity, cooperation, and a sense of stewardship.
Gardening becomes a practice in love, resilience, and patience. Children experience both loss and reward—witnessing plants die or thrive—and repurpose mistakes into science experiments that foster learning and wonder.
- Boulder JCC, Colorado
Milk and Honey Farm at the Boulder JCC is a two-acre sustainable farm. It hosts programs like “Passover on the Farm” and “Soap-Making 101,” and serves as an educational site for early childhood, summer camp, and community events.
Using regenerative agricultural practices, the farm donates over 4,000 pounds of produce annually and also houses chickens, goats, a greenhouse with koi fish, and an educational garden.
- David Posnack JCC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The David Posnack JCC features two gardens: the Singer Garden, which grows a variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and the Giborim Garden, part of a program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Both support Jewish holiday learning and healthy eating.
- Asheville JCC, North Carolina
At the Asheville JCC, Shalom Children’s Center’s garden is central to early childhood education. Children grow flowers for Shabbat, herbs for Havdalah, and veggies for snacks, all while learning to nurture life and embrace nature.
- Capital Camps, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Capital Camps operates a vibrant farm where campers plant, cook, and explore Jewish environmental values. They prepare shakshuka, pita, and other dishes using produce from the garden, including meals inspired by hostages and the Gaza envelope region.
- Levine JCC, Charlotte, North Carolina
The Shalom Park Community Garden is a shared initiative that donates 300+ pounds of produce annually to Jewish Family Services’ food pantry. It hosts educational and holiday events like Tu B’Shvat and composting initiatives led by teens.
The garden also supports Zero Waste efforts across Shalom Park and promotes engagement through its blog Bal Tashchit and other channels.
- Glick JCC, Indianapolis, Indiana
At the Glick JCC, more than 30 garden plots help families grow food, connect with nature, and share produce with Popsie’s Pantry. Members and campers participate in caring for and maintaining the garden.
- Shalom Institute, Malibu, California
Shemesh Farms at the Shalom Institute empowers neurodiverse and physically diverse adults through farming. Participants grow herbs and flowers used in teas, salts, and sachets. They compost, use hydroponics, and grow food for a church feeding ministry.
Their products—like TeaKun Olam and Whole Latka Love—are sold locally and online at Shemeshfarms.com.
- Mandell JCC, West Hartford, Connecticut
Camp Shalom at the Mandell JCC offers campers the opportunity to maintain a summer garden, harvesting produce used in meals and learning hands-on about agriculture and care for the earth.
JCC Association of North America is a founding member of the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, a network of Jewish organizations committed to climate action. Learn more.
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