Staff and residents of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran celebrated this year’s Tu B’Shavt, the New Year for trees, by planting, harvesting and sampling produce grown at the village’s unique  and innovative accessible agricultural farm.

Village staff set out for the farm area in small groups of corona-regulated capsules and once there were treated to delicious vegetable soup prepared from homegrown crops and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, picked straight from the trees as they waited. After trying their hand at harvesting, every employee was gifted with a bag overflowing with homegrown village vegetables and a jar of orange jam, from oranges grown, picked, preserved and packaged by village residents and staff.

“It is so exciting to see how the vegetables we planted reflect our own vision of advancement and rehabilitation. Planted seeds grow and develop into the best produce when they are cared for under optimal conditions. They are no different from us. In our wonderful village, every resident and rehabilitation outpatient receives the best possible care, enabling them to grow, develop and reach their maximum potential,” reflected Lilac, a member of the village gardening staff.

Village residents marked the day surrounded by nature, enjoying fruit shakes made from seasonal produce and participating in a beautiful and creative session of flower arranging.

Thanks to Lotem – Accessible Nature for All – for the wonderful outdoor activity based on the well-known book, “The Giving Tree,” and to Gad and Sivi Avishar for their generous donation of plantlets in honor of Tu B’Shvat.

We’ve only just begun to grow.