As the summer comes upon us, the Gan Chesed Kindness Garden* at Congregation Or Atid will soon be ready to produce a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Thanks to a cadre of volunteers who helped prepare the garden – including the Jewish Middle Schoolers Club of RVA – the grounds are a universally accessible, sensory-based outdoor play area and Jewish-themed garden that focuses on natural elements to engage all the senses in a safe manner. (See photo above)

Inspired by Jewish practices and teachings, Gan Chesed has been offering learning opportunities and programs for all ages and abilities in the spirit of inclusion for several years. The resulting harvest is donated then to the Jewish Community Center’s (JCC) Elmer Toth Food Pantry, which is coordinated by Shari Menlowe-Barck.

We can’t wait to see the fruits (veggies and herbs) of this labor of love in the coming months!

*The Gan Chesed Kindness Garden is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.