Mission
Kayam models and inspires social and ecological responsibility by engaging the community in hands-on Jewish agricultural education.
History
Kayam was founded in the fall of 2006 when Dick Goldman, Pearlstone’s General Manager, recruited and hired Jakir Manela to establish an educational farm on the grounds of the Pearlstone Center and Camp Milldale campus. The Rose Winder Greenhouse was the first infrastructure in place, built by volunteers from December 06-March 07. Kayam’s first season, 2007, was remarkable: almost 3000 people came to participate in Kayam programming, and almost 3500 pounds of produce were grown on less than ½ acre of land. Kayam’s second season, 2008, saw continued growth: a CSA was established with 11 members, more crops were grown with greater success, and a plethora of educational programs continued to thrive. After two seasons, Kayam has established outstanding Jewish garden education programs for Camp Milldale, local synagogues and day schools, youth groups, early childhood, and non-Jewish groups as well. What does the future hold? Larger CSA, larger harvests, and a continually expanding array of programs. L’chayim!
Staff
- Jakir Manela, Kayam Farm Director, kayam@pearlstonecenter.org
- Casey Baruch Yurow, Kayam Education Director, casey@pearlstonecenter.org
- Tiferet Sassona, Kayam Volunteer Coordinator, Tiferet@pearlstonecenter.org
