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Plant. Prepare. Pray: Shavuot Learning and Celebration

Sunday, June 1 @ 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Coastal Roots Farm

Shavuot, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, is also a deeply agricultural celebration. In ancient Israel, it marked the time when farmers brought bikkurim—the first fruits of their harvest—to Jerusalem as a gesture of gratitude and connection. After offering their choicest fruits and engaging in sacred reconnection, they returned home to enjoy the bounty of their labor.

Join Coastal Roots Farm and Temple Solel for Plant, Prepare, Pray—a joyful, soulful, and modern reimagining of bikkurim. Together, we’ll explore the Food Forest, engage in interactive learning, delve into sacred Jewish texts, and build meaningful connections with one another. We'll also enjoy traditional Shavuot treats like cheesecake and witness a stunning sunset over the Farm.

Co-Led By:

  • Rabbi Alexis Berk and Cantor Billy Tiep of Temple Solel, who share the clergy leadership partnership of Temple Solel in Cardiff by the Sea.
  • Cantor Rebecca Joy Fletcher, Director of Jewish Life, and Sharone Oren, Education Manager of Coastal Roots Farm

Cost:

Free!

Who Should Join:

This experience is designed for teens and adults (ages 14+) who are interested in deepening their relationship with the earth, Jewish tradition, and their own symbolic first fruits. People of all faith backgrounds—or none—are warmly welcome.

What to Bring:

  • A refillable water bottle
  • Layers for warmth and close-toed shoes
  • An open heart and mind—along with your curiosity about Torah, the Farm’s fields, and what it means to grow in community

What to Expect:

Together, we will:

  • PLANT: Sow seeds of insight through hands-on learning, harvesting, playing, and singing in preparation for Shavuot.
  • PREPARE: Embark on a meditative journey through the Food Forest to center ourselves for the ritual ahead.
  • PRAY: Come together in spiritual reflection and celebration with a modern bikkurim ritual featuring a communal mandala, Torah reading, and the lighting of festival candles.