Thanksgiving: Stories from the Farm
This Thanksgiving week, we're reflecting on the transformative power of gathering on the land—and the generous community that makes it possible. We want to share Leora Rosner's story with you.
Leora arrived at Living Tree in June as a work-trader, drawn to deepening her connections to earth-based Judaism and regenerative agriculture. Over the summer weeks, she experienced the rhythms of the land, the power of working in community, and the joys of, in her words, "good, hard work" on the farm.
"Coming to the farm each morning, I understood that sowing, watering, weeding, trellising, and harvesting are ultimately acts of sharing that go beyond ourselves," she says.
Leora also shared her artistic gifts with us, painting a stunning mural on our community shed—mountains, evergreens, soaring birds, and wildlife that capture the spirit of our local landscape.
The experience was so meaningful that when we needed someone to lead our Sukkot on the Farm fellowship program in October, Leora returned—this time helping guide the next generation of young adults seeking connection to land and Jewish tradition.
From student to steward. From visitor to leader. This is what becomes possible when we create space for people to grow.
Leora with her group of young-adult fellows in front of the "Friendship Tree" beside the Living Tree pasture
What we're grateful for this year
The 93 acres of land that holds all of this work
Participants like Leora who bring their whole hearts to this community
The rhythms of planting and harvest that teach us patience and abundance
Supporters like you who believe in this vision
Your donations help us:
Welcome work-traders who want to learn regenerative agriculture skills
Run fellowship programs that nurture young leaders
Grow food for LTA programs and for neighbors in need
Host farm field trips for local schools
Create meaningful experiences around seasonal celebrations
Every gift helps us continue building this refuge where, as Leora describes it, "song and meaning, creativity and stewardship interweave."
