As Jews we are taught about the idea of Shmita – the sabbatical cycle that has at its core, respect for the land that produces the food we consume. Recent events have also made us acutely aware of issues of colonization and our position as settlers on traditional Indigenous lands. Both beg the question: What is, and should be our relationship, as keepers, users, and settlers of the land on which we sit?

Drawing on both the Jewish concept of Shmita, and Indigenous perspectives around honour, humility and relationality and interdependence, this small group will explore ideas related to land and our responsibilities as Jews and settlers, to live in ways that support environmental and ecological sustainability and respect for the land more broadly.

Monthly sessions will use speakers, film, activities, and discussion to examine issues such as food and food security, sustainable food production, ethical use of the land, and personal and community understandings of our relationships to the land on which we live.

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