Volunteers, seniors and youth dedicate their time each week to tending, planting and harvesting at the Vancouver Jewish Community Garden. (photo courtesy VJCG)
The Vancouver Jewish Community Garden (VJCG), which opened in May 2023, began as a dream – a vision shared by Vancouver Talmud Torah, Jewish Family Services Vancouver and Congregation Beth Israel. The dream was made possible by the Diamond Foundation, which secured a long-term lease of the land for future development and has allowed for the opportunity to use it for a Jewish community garden on a temporary basis. Significant seed gifts from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation and the Jewish Community Foundation also played a vital role in its creation.
Generous donors, volunteers, students, garden experts, builders, designers and a project manager all contribute to its success. Every seed planted, every helping hand and every heart involved makes a meaningful impact – both on those who tend the garden and those who benefit from its harvest. As Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai said, “A garden is not just a patch of soil, but a place for the cultivation of the soul.”
Reflecting on two years of growth – including a full harvest season – it is possible to truly appreciate the impact the VJCG has on the Vancouver Jewish community. Under the care of garden coordinator Maggie Wilson, the VJCG has blossomed into a hub for connection, learning and nourishment. Sacred spaces are woven among beds of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
“The garden is more than a place to grow food – we’ve built a wonderful community where people can experience the healing effects of digging in the soil, and witness the miracle of nature,” said Wilson. “Some participants are having their first experience planting a seed or picking a fresh bean. They are learning what it takes to grow food, and understanding, in a concrete way, how their work contributes to tikkun olam.”
Volunteers, seniors and youth dedicate their time each week to tending, planting and harvesting, ensuring that fresh, nutritious produce reaches Jewish Family Services to support community members facing food insecurity. Beyond its bounty, the garden is also an outdoor classroom. Students engage in hands-on workshops, learning about sustainability, collaboration and the growth cycle.
The VJCG is a community treasure that needs the community’s support to continue to thrive. Feb. 20 will be the first-ever Day of Giving in support of the VJCG. Donations will help sustain the garden, expand programming and continue to provide nourishment, education and inspiration. To contribute, visit jewishcommunitygarden.ca.
– Courtesy Vancouver Jewish Community Garden